Worms in cattle are one of the most serious threats to rural producers. This problem may exist on your land if your herd does not evolve, loses weight, or is feeble, even if you continue to feed them well and manage them properly.
Many growers have faced this problem time and time again. Is there, however, a way to put an end to it once and for all?
Worms' effect on cattle
Worms are parasites that live in cattle to survive. Worms produce severe health problems in cattle by residing in the intestines and stomach, organs critical for good health and nutrient intake. Diarrhoea, anaemia, and the dreaded weight loss are among them. Bristly, dull hair is another apparent indication. If you come across cattle in this condition, do not hesitate to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.However, cattle infested with worms do not always show visible symptoms, leading to weight loss that is only noticeable on the scales. And as a for-profit producer, you don't want that for your property, right?
How do you organise cattle deworming?
The first step is to schedule the application of the dewormer to the herd during the dry season. The explanation is as follows: because worms multiply more in water, when the product is applied during the dry season, the animals will reach the peak occurrence period protected.
Organise three applications: the first should be right at the beginning of the drought (April or May), the second in the middle, and the third at the end (October). The interval between doses should be between 60 and 90 days. Want a livestock-ready schedule with all the protocols that need to be followed?
If you have cattle with a high degree of European blood, we recommend a fourth application in the middle of the water due to the sensitivity of this type of animal to worms.
The application must be used on animals from the calf stage to two years of age. This means that calves can receive their first dose of vermifuge as early as three months of age. At that age, use products with ivermectin and doramectin as a base and avoid those with abamectin, which is only indicated for bovines under four months of age.
Animals older than 24 months with frequent worms need to be analysed, as they are less susceptible to this type of parasite and have a higher resistance. Some of the factors to observe in this case are whether the environment where the animals are most likely to live has high humidity levels. Another reason that attracts pests is poor hygiene. Excess waste, garbage, and mud are a full plate for these parasites.
How does ivermectin work in cattle?
Since we mentioned some substances, we'll go over the ones that are most commonly used to combat worms in cattle. When it comes to endo and ectoparasites, ivermectin is a highly effective antiparasitic. The recommended dosage is 1 ml of the product for every 50 kg of animal weight.
There are many brands on the market. Always prefer the most popular or one recommended by a trusted veterinarian. Also, follow the evolution of the treatment from application to application, as the chances of resistance are high.
Monitor your cattle for signs of worms
Prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to dealing with any sort of parasite, and that includes worms in cattle. By keeping a close eye on your cattle and monitoring them for any signs of illness or distress, you can help ensure that they stay healthy and parasite-free.Some common signs of worms in cattle include weight loss, anaemia, decreased appetite, and vitamin B12 deficiency. If you notice any of these signs in your cattle, it's important to take action immediately.
The next step is to take steps to prevent worms from taking hold in the first place. This means keeping your cattle's environment clean and free of potential sources of infection. This means removing any possible sources of food or water contamination, as well as providing clean, fresh water and hay.
It's also important to worm your cattle on a regular basis. This will help prevent any worms that do manage to take hold from becoming a serious problem. There are a variety of wormers available, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian to find the best one for your cattle.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your cattle healthy and free of worms.
Precautions for the use of vermifuges in cattle
- Always research whether the chosen brand is effective against worms that attack cattle's lungs and gastrointestinal regions before purchasing. This information aids in the complete eradication of worms in cattle. Also, check to see if the same product works on worms in both the larval and adult stages.
- When administering the application, separate animals by weight. Thus, while administering the dose, it will be easier, and there will be no possibility of going below or above the dose recommended by the product manufacturer.
- When experiencing possible side effects, such as acute-phase diarrhoea, reinforce hydration and offer a homemade serum with the following solutions: 5 litres of potable water, 45 grammes of salt, and 250 grammes of sugar
- Whenever you get new animals for the property, worm them before they join the new herd. Ideally, enter into an agreement with the seller so that the protocol is included in the negotiated price. The ideal isolation period is 30 days before reuniting with other cattle that are already in the herd. This guidance is very welcome, not only for maximum avoidance of insects but also for other transmitted diseases as well as other parasites, for example, ticks.
