Keeping Grazing Herds Healthy is Focus of New Publication

Keeping Grazing Herds Healthy is Focus of New Publication

Grazing animals are exposed to parasites throughout the grazing season. Both external and internal parasites can infest animals and impact the health and performance of grazing livestock.

A new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication titled “Internal Parasites in Grazing Ruminants”(IBCR 203) focuses on understanding and controlling these challenges in grazing cattle. It is written by Claire Andresen, graduate assistant in animal science, and Troy Brick, DVM, assistant professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State.

The publication focuses on different ways to keep herds healthy, including good pasture management and deworming.

“Deworming is an important production practice for cow-calf producers,” Brick said. “Research has shown that not utilizing dewormers could negatively impact break-even prices by as much as 30 percent per head each year. This includes impacts on weaning rate, pregnancy rate and survival rate of the calf.”

This treatment is especially important for animals that are most susceptible to parasites, including all bulls, yearling animals, stocker and replacement heifers and two-year old cows.

“While suckling calves aren’t as high risk as weaned calves, it can still be beneficial to treat pre-weaned calves between 200 and 400 pounds,” Brick said. “In a cow-calf setting, treating only cows typically provides adequate protection for calves.”

The publication also contains information on pharmaceutical options available to producers for parasite protection. A table included in the publication provides a comprehensive list of drugs available, the proper dosage, mode of administration and withdrawal time. The specific species of parasites each product targets is also included.

“Working with your local veterinarian to identify predominant worm species in your herd, selecting the proper dewormer to treat them and implementing good pasture management practices will result in a well-rounded parasite control program for your herd,” Brick said.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.