Understanding Parasites in Cows and Cattle: Deworming and Pasture Management

You need to know “What kind of dewormer is best for cows or cattle?”

Here is your answer: Parasites pose threats to the health and productivity of cows and cattle. These internal parasites, also known as gastrointestinal nematodes, can cause various issues, such as reduced feed efficiency, weight loss, and death in severe cases. To ensure the well-being of your livestock, it is crucial to implement effective deworming practices and maintain proper pasture management. In this blog, we will explore the common parasites that affect cows and cattle, discuss the importance of deworming, and highlight the best dewormers available. Additionally, we'll emphasize the significance of pasture management and conducting FECRT testing for optimal parasite control.

Common Parasites in Cows and Cattle:

Several types of parasites can affect cows and cattle, including Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia,  Haemonchus contortus, and Trichostrongylus axei.

The Importance of Deworming:

Regular deworming is essential to control parasite infections and maintain the health of your livestock. Dewormers, also known as anthelmintics, are medications specifically designed to eliminate internal parasites. These medications come in various forms, such as oral drenches, injectables, and pour-ons, allowing flexibility in administration.

Effective Dewormers for Cows and Cattle:

While consulting a veterinarian is always recommended, several dewormers have been proven effective in controlling parasites in cows and cattle. Some commonly used dewormers include:

1. Fenbendazole: This dewormer is known to target a wide range of parasites, including adult and larval stages. It disrupts the parasites' ability to absorb nutrients, ultimately causing their death.

2. Ivermectin: An efficient dewormer that kills both adult and larval stages of parasites. It works by interfering with the parasites' nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and subsequent death.

3. Albendazole: This broad-spectrum dewormer effectively eliminates a variety of parasites. It disrupts the energy metabolism of parasites, leading to their demise.

Pasture Management:

In addition to deworming, proper pasture management plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling parasite infections. Implementing good pasture management practices reduces the risk of parasite transmission to grazing animals. Here are some essential strategies:

1. Rotational Grazing: Dividing pastures into smaller sections and rotating livestock between them helps break the parasite lifecycle. Resting pastures after grazing allows time for parasites to die off, reducing reinfection.

2. Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT): Regularly conducting FECRT testing helps monitor the effectiveness of dewormers and detect potential drug resistance. It involves collecting fecal samples from animals before and after deworming to evaluate the reduction in parasite eggs.

3. Proper Manure Management: Regular removal and disposal of manure from pastures can significantly reduce parasite populations. Composting or spreading manure in non-grazing areas further minimizes parasite transmission.

Deworming and proper pasture management are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of cows and cattle. Deworming with appropriate medications, such as fenbendazole, ivermectin, or albendazole, can help control parasite infections.

 However, it is crucial to remember that deworming alone is not sufficient. Combining it with sound pasture management practices, like rotational grazing and fecal egg count monitoring, can significantly enhance parasite control efforts.