|
|
|
If your cattle see grass, they have parasitesBy Gary Sides, PhD Pfizer Animal Health Fall is fast approaching, and so is the deworming season. Parasites are found in all grasses, and in all areas of the United States. If your cattle are grazing grass, they are ingesting parasites and need to be treated. It's important to implement a deworming program in your operation that will prevent and protect your cattle from all parasites. Although fall is often perceived as the ideal season to deworm, a spring treatment is equally important. The greatest protection from parasites occurs when cattle are dewormed in both the spring and the fall, with the opportunity to protect cattle from both internal and external parasites. Reap the benefits Producers will reap benefits by establishing proper deworming strategies into their operation. In fact, producers can lose up to $200 per cow/calf pair through production and reproductive losses if they choose not to deworm.* Parasites are proven to cause depressed immune systems in cattle, making them more susceptible to long-term disease challenges. Internal parasites also suppress appetite, which limits animal performance by depressing gain and feed efficiency. Additionally, because parasites depress the immune system, cattle may not be able to respond to vaccination programs or disease challenges. Besides the immediate improvements in weaning weights and conception rates, controlling parasites on pasture also improves feedlot performance and carcass quality. Deworming methods There are three basic choices for deworming cattle: --Avermectin pour-on: not only eliminates worm infections but is also effective against a wide range of common external parasites; --Injectable avermectin: best used for internal parasite control, but also has coverage against external parasites; --Oral suspensions: effective only against internal parasites, including protection against worms and flukes. It's best to deworm twice a year with reputable dewormer products, once in the spring before grass turnout and again in the fall. Deworming recommendations Whether you calve in the spring or the fall, both the cow and the calf should be dewormed. The calf has an immature immune system and is most susceptible to parasitism. Even though the cow's parasite counts are generally very low, she is the one that contaminates the pastures and subsequently her calf. If you calve in the spring, both the cow and the calf should be dewormed. The calf has yet to develop an active immune system necessary to fight off parasites. The ideal time to deworm cattle regardless of calving season is when they are going to new pasture. Internal parasites require a host to complete their life cycle and part of their life cycle requires them to go through cattle to reproduce. An Injectable dewormer is preferred in the spring, when cattle have the highest exposure to internal parasites. Additionally, this is a time of the cow's life cycle where she has the highest nutrient requirements and is most susceptible to losses in conception rates, milk production and weaning weights of her calf. If you live in a region where biting lice are a problem during the winter months, use a pour-on avermectin in late fall to control both lice and other internal parasites. Work with your local veterinarian to design the best deworming management program for your specific geography. Each operation has a unique set of goals and will require different management techniques to support those goals. By designing specific deworming strategies that fit your unique operation, you'll see the benefits in your cattle's health and in your bottom line. * Lawrence JD, et al, Economic analysis of pharmaceutical technologies in modern beef production. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 2006. Editor's note: Cattle Call is brought you by cattle health professionals to keep you informed about current issues important to cattle producers. Gary Sides is a nutritionist with Pfizer Animal Health. 10/8/07 Date: 10/2/07 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
