As a cattle owner, there are certain thing you need to know about your cattle, one being how to properly care for them and their health. Heath-wise this covers your cattle’s vaccination shots, proper vitamins and supplements, proper food handling, clean water and of course deworming.
Deworming is something that you cattle should undergo to reduce internal parasite. Doing this on a regular basis can maintain your cattle’s overall health, increase their productivity, reduce the risk of diseases, have better nutirition and so much more!
But if that isn’t enought answers for you about cattle and deworking, below is everything you need to know about cattle drench!
1 – Types of parasites
Internal parasites may affect cattle in a wide variety of ways. Each with specific traits and implications on the herd’s production and health. But for you to get a better idea of what you’re really dealing with, here is a list of the 4 common types of parasites you cattle might get if not dewormed:
- Roundworms – among the most prevalent internal parasites discovered in cattle are nematodes. They may reside in the intestines or stomach and result in a number of health problems, such as decreased milk supply, poor feed efficiency, and weight loss.
- Tapeworms – They generally live in the small intestine and can irritate and obstruct the intestines. The presence of tapeworms should not be disregarded in deworming programmes, despite their rarity compared to roundworms.
- Lungworms – Cattle’s respiratory system is the system most affected by this. They can affect the general health and performance of cattle by causing coughing, nasal discharge, and decreased lung function.
- Flukes – Cattle’s liver and bile ducts may get infected with liver flukes, a form of flatworm. In severe circumstances, these parasites can cause liver damage, slowed development, and even death.
2 – Prevention treatment
Both a preventative measure and a therapy for parasite illnesses are utilised with cattle drenches. To prevent worm infections in cattle, preventive deworming is normally performed on a regular basis. When cattle exhibit symptoms of worm infestations or while particular seasons of the year when worm loads are higher, such as during the rainy season, treatment is required.
3 – Active ingredients found in cattle drench
Different ingredients used in cattle drenches target different parasite species. Ivermectin, moxidectin, albendazole, fenbendazole and levamisole are a few examples of frequently used active compounds. Based on the kind of parasites and the particular requirements of the cattle, the active component should be chosen.
4 – How cattle drench is administered
Usually, cattle drenches are given orally. It can either be administered as a liquid, paste, or bolus, depending on the composition. It’s crucial to administer medications correctly, so be sure to adhere to the directions provided by the manufacturer and get advice from a veterinarian.
5 – Withdrawal period
Many cattle drenches include a withdrawal period during which the treated animal’s meat and milk cannot be consumed by humans. To guarantee that the items are suitable for ingestion, it is essential to adhere to this time.
6 – Resistance management
The active components in cattle drenches can cause parasites to become resistant over time. Utilizing dewormers wisely and avoiding overusing a particular type of dewormer will help to reduce this. A deworming strategy that reduces resistance risk can be developed with the assistance of your veterinarian.
7 – Make sure to consult your veterianaria
To create a deworming programme specifically suited to the requirements of your individual herd, you must speak with a veterinarian. To assess the severity of the infestation, they can undertake faecal egg counts, after which they can suggest the best dewormer and time for treatment.
8 – How to storge and handle cattle drench?
According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, cattle drenches must be stored in a cool, dry location, out of direct sunshine, and away from children. Maintaining the product’s efficacy is made easier by proper storage.
9 – Keep record
Keep thorough records of your deworming procedures and make sure it includes the date, the product and dose you used. As well as the animals you treated! This data is important for keeping track of the herd’s health and ensuring optimal management.
Take away
Cattle drench is a vital means of sustaining the productivity and health of cow herds by eradicating internal parasite infections. To avoid resistance and guarantee the safety of meat and dairy products, it should be used sparingly and in accordance with veterinary advice. An efficient deworming programme requires proper administration, storage, and record-keeping.
