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The availability of fossil shell flour(FSF) has increased its use as a natural feed additive in livestock diets. Therefore, identifying its optimum inclusion levels in livestock production is essential for animal productivity. This study investigated the effects of various fossil shell flour (FSF) inclusion levels on in vitro digestibility, relative feed values and rumen parameters of Dohne-Merino wethers. Twenty-four fistulated wethers, averagely 20 ± 1·5 kg body weight, were used in a complete randomized design. They were fed a basal diet without fossil shell flour (control, 0%) or with the addition of 2% FSF (T2), 4% FSF(T3) and 6% FSF (T4) of diet DM for 35 days. The results showed that increasing FSF levels had no effect on ruminal T0C or pH, but Ammonia-N increased (P < 0.01) with increasing FSF. The total molar concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of FSF. IVTDDM, IVTDNDF and IVTDADF decreased to 4% FSF inclusion but tended to increase (P = 0.06) at 6% inclusion. Relative feed values of the diets tended to increase (P = 0.07) by adding fossil shell flour. In conclusion, adding FSF to the sheep diet had no adverse effects on the rumen parameters, though in vitro true digestibility could be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fossil shell flour or Diatomaceous earth is made up of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics that enable it to be used for different purposes including uses in livestock production. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, fossil shell flour has been modified as additives for several uses. Recent studies have supported its use as animal growth promoter, vaccine adjuvant in livestock, water purifier, mycotoxin binder, inert dust applications in stored-pest management, pesticide, animal feed additive, as a natural source of silicon in livestock, and as natural anthelmintic. Numerous advantages of fossil shell flour include its low-cost and availability, its nontoxic characteristics, and the fact that food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. Likewise, all farmers, whether commercial, small-scale, or communal, can make use of fossil shell flour. The numerous uses of fossil shell flour give room for all types of farmers to explore the various benefits and applications of fossil shell flour. It is believed that through this publication, the potential of fossil shell flour will be exposed and explore by many countries. Fossil shell flour (FSF), also known as Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, consists of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics, including porosity and permeability, low density and thermal conductivity, tiny particle size, high surface area, solubility, hydrophobia, and absorption capabilities, which are molecular filter actors, substituting their integral cations without physical changes. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, FSF has been modified as additives for several uses. Recent studies have supported its use as animal growth promoter, vaccine adjuvant in livestock, water purifier, mycotoxin binder, inert dust applications in stored-pest management, pesticide, animal feed additive, as a natural source of silicon in livestock and as natural anthelmintic. Numerous advantages of FSF include its low-cost and availability, its nontoxic characteristics, and the fact that food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. In this paper, we review the main uses of FSF in the livestock industry, with reference to similar works earlier published that elucidate their important roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]