Parasites suck out

PROFITS & PERFORMANCE

Since internal parasites are out of sight, they can also be out of mind.
It’s important to remember that, when left untreated, parasite infections in cattle can:

THE BIG SIX
1 NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM7
2 REDUCE WEANING WEIGHTS8
3 LOWER CONCEPTION RATES9
4 ALTER CARCASS COMPOSITION10
5 DECREASE MILK PRODUCTION11
6 REDUCE APPETITE AND NUTRITIONAL EFFICIENCY12

FACTORS TO CONSIDER13, 14

The level of parasite burden varies from location to location and animal to animal. However, here are some factors to consider as you evaluate your deworming approach:

Younger animals are more likely to display clinical signs of parasitism. While adult animals are less likely to display clinical signs, a subclinical infection (one you may not notice) still impacts the performance of that animal.

Warm and wet are ideal conditions for parasites. Hot and dry conditions reduce the risk of parasitic infections. Parasites can easily survive the cold.

Heavily stocked pastures and/or limited acreage can result in higher parasite burden, particularly in mild, moist conditions. Even cattle loafing around water holes and along creeks can increase parasite burdens on the pasture and, ultimately, in the animals in those areas. Increased precipitation can prolong parasite season on pasture.

Use products strategically with an aim to break the life cycle. It takes about 100 days of continuous parasite control to break the parasite life cycle and reduce the parasite burden on pasture.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

The parasites that impact profitability the most:

BROWN STOMACH WORM

Ostertagia ostertagi

The infamous Ostertagia is the most economically important parasite in cattle. This worm also has a unique ability to penetrate the lining of the true stomach and become dormant, or inhibited, so that it can survive during weather that’s too cold or too hot. When conditions improve, the larvae can emerge all at once and do serious damage to the lining of the stomach.

Nodular Worm

Oesophagostomum radlatum

Infective larvae burrow into the intestinal wall, causing the formation of pea-sized nodules called granulomas. These nodules reduce intestinal function. Adult worms are a larger issue for young animals vs. older animals where the effect of the nodules is of greater concern.

Barber’s Pole Worm

Haemonchus placei

Also known as red stomach worm. This bloodsucker is easily recognized by its trademark “barber pole” coloration in adult females. It has a significant impact on cattle.

Small Intestinal Worm

Cooperia oncophora
C. punctata
C. surnabada

While they are found in great numbers, Cooperia are generally thought to contribute secondary effects to the more devastating parasites such as Ostertagia. However, some experts are beginning to attribute larger production issues to this parasite.

Stomach Hairworm

Trichostrongylus axei

This worm irritates and erodes the villi of the abomasum, damaging capillaries and lymph vessels within these structures and causing blood loss.

Lungworm

Dictyocaulus Vivparus

Severe D. vivaparus infections can lead to complications that can cause a mortality rate of 20 percent or more among affected animals.24 Larval lungworms irritate the bronchioles before eggs can be seen in nasal secretions or larvae appear in feces. Later, the adult worms irritate the trachea and bronchi. In both stages, increased respiratory secretion causes lung congestion. The disease caused by lungworm is parasitic bronchitis, which is characterized by rapid shallow breathing and coughing.