Best Deworming Practices for Cattle

Deworming is a crucial aspect of cattle management that directly impacts productivity, reproduction, and overall health. Implementing best deworming practices for cattle ensures that internal and external parasites do not compromise weight gain, milk production, and immune function. This blog will explore the importance of deworming cattle, the ideal cattle deworming schedule, and effective methods for deworming livestock.

Deworming of Cattle - Why?

Internal parasites are a significant challenge in cattle farming. If not controlled, they can cause severe economic losses due to reduced weight gain, lower milk yield, and reproductive inefficiencies. Strategic deworming cattle at optimal times—early summer and before winter helps in:

• Reducing parasite load on pasture
• Minimizing the adverse effects of internal parasites on cattle health
• Enhancing feed efficiency, growth, and reproductive performance

Among the three major internal parasites—roundworms, tapeworms, and iver flukes—the first two are particularly problematic for adult cattle.

Roundworms and Their Impact

Roundworms can severely affect cattle performance by causing:

• Poor weight gain
• Decreased feed efficiency
• Lower milk production
• Reproductive inefficiencies in cows

Although adult cattle develop some resistance against roundworms, these parasites can still impair productivity, especially when animals are stressed due to environmental conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or calving.

Liver Fluke - A Silent Threat

Liver flukes cause extensive liver damage, leading to:

• Loss of energy and protein, affecting growth and fertility
• Reduced trace mineral storage, making supplementation less effective
• Vitamin A deficiency, even on green pastures

Unlike roundworms, cattle do not develop immunity against liver flukes. Regular cattle deworming schedule adherence helps mitigate these risks.

Symptoms Indicating Parasite Infestation

Recognizing early signs of internal and external parasites ensures timely intervention. Some common symptoms include:

• Dull coat and loss of skin glow
• Diarrhea and indigestion
• Significant weight loss (as parasites consume 30-40% of the feed)
• Reduced milk production (critical for dairy cattle)
• Presence of ticks leading to tick fever, which is highly detrimental

External Parasites and Their Impact

Ticks, lice, and mites can cause considerable distress to cattle, leading to reduced feed intake and secondary infections. Tick fever is particularly harmful and can result in fatalities if left untreated. Regular deworming livestock schedules that include external parasite control are essential.

Implementing the Best Deworming Strategy

Following a structured cattle deworming schedule ensures effective parasite control. Consider the following guidelines:

Identify the Right Deworming Time

• Deworm at the start of the summer season and before winter.
• Treat young calves separately, as they are more vulnerable.

Choose the Right Dewormer

• Select broad-spectrum dewormers that target roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.
• Rotate dewormers to prevent resistance development.

Ensure Proper Administration

• Use oral drenches, injectables, or pour-on formulations as per veterinary recommendations.
• Dose according to body weight to avoid underdosing or overdosing.

Follow a Pasture Management Plan

• Rotate pastures to reduce reinfection risks.
• Avoid overgrazing, which exposes cattle to higher parasite loads.

Monitor for Resistance

• Conduct fecal egg counts to assess deworming effectiveness.
• If resistance is detected, switch to a different class of dewormer.

ALBOMAR: The Complete Dewormer

Choosing an effective dewormer is essential to ensure comprehensive parasite control. ALBOMAR by Virbac offers a 3-in-1 benefit that makes it an ideal choice for deworming cattle:

• Micronised formulation ensures deeper penetration into parasites.
• High lipophilicity allows efficient absorption and prolonged efficacy.
• Tasteless and odorless, making administration easier.
• High permeability, ensuring penetration through the lipid layers of parasites.
• Safe for all cattle, including calves and debilitated animals.
• Does not cause diarrhea, ensuring digestive stability.

The Final Word

Adhering to best deworming practices for cattle is essential for maintaining herd health and optimizing productivity. A well-planned cattle deworming schedule, coupled with effective dewormers like ALBOMAR, ensures that parasites do not compromise cattle performance. Regular monitoring, pasture management, and strategic deworming interventions will help keep cattle healthier and more productive year-round.