Effective Cattle Farming: Managing Parasites for Healthier Livestock

kourtneyb93
Jul 11
4 min read

Updated: Nov 14

Cattle farming can often feel like an unending struggle against parasites. These tiny troublemakers not only endanger the health of your livestock but also diminish overall productivity on your pasture. By understanding the lifecycle of these parasites and adopting effective deworming strategies, you can protect your herd and enhance their performance.

In this article, we will discuss how managing these parasites can lead to healthier, more productive cattle. We will look closely at the parasite lifecycle, effective deworming strategies, and steps you can take to help your cattle thrive.

Understanding the Lifecycle of Pasture Parasites

Pasture parasites are more than just a nuisance; they can have serious effects on the health and productivity of your herd. Common offenders include lungworms, stomach worms, intestinal worms, hookworm, thread-necked intestinal worm, small intestinal worms, bankrupt worm, and nodular worms. These parasites can significantly reduce appetite, weaken immunity, and limit the absorption of vital nutrients.

Understanding their lifecycle is key to managing these parasites. When they shed eggs onto the pasture, these eggs can survive in the environment—similar to how weed seeds do. An estimated 90% of infectious parasites lurk in the pasture, waiting to infect new cattle. These eggs and larvae can endure harsh weather, remaining viable in soil, manure, or hidden under grass for up to a year.

Breaking this lifecycle through effective management strategies is essential to lessening their impact on cattle health and productivity.

The Importance of Timely Deworming

Timely deworming is a critical strategy in managing parasite infestations. Your approach should adapt to the seasons and specific conditions on your farm.

Fall Deworming

For cow/calf operations, administering deworming treatments in the fall is vital. This should occur when cattle are moved off pasture at the end of the grazing season or after the first killing frost. This timing helps clear out lingering parasites and decreases the risk of infection for the next group of cattle on the pasture.
In areas where cattle graze year-round, it is equally important to deworm them even after winter, as parasites can continue to thrive in the environment.

Spring Deworming

If cows were not treated in the fall, spring offers another chance. Deworming should happen at turnout or during green-up, followed by another treatment 6 to 8 weeks later. If cattle were treated in the fall, focus on deworming the mother cow and her suckling calf 6 to 8 weeks after grazing begins in the spring.
Following these strategies is essential to ensure livestock do not carry infections that could harm their productivity and health throughout the grazing season.

Benefits of Using SAFE-GUARD (fenbendazole) Products

Many cattle farmers opt for SAFE-GUARD products due to their effectiveness in controlling parasites efficiently. These treatments act quickly to eliminate worms, significantly reducing egg shedding back onto the pasture.

By lowering the chances of reinfestation, cattle can better utilize nutrients from their feed for weight gain and overall health rather than maintaining parasite populations. Research shows that using SAFE-GUARD can yield a return on investment of up to 10 to 1, meaning the benefits often outweigh the costs. Properly-timed deworming offers impressive results:

Increased Pregnancy Rates: Treated cows can experience up to a 20% increase in pregnancy rates.
Enhanced Calf Weights: Calves from treated cows were, on average, an impressive 41 pounds heavier at weaning.
Stocker Cattle Performance: Stocker cattle exhibited a gain of 48 pounds over 118 days of grazing, combined with improved health as they shifted to feedlots.

These compelling benefits reinforce the value of investing in effective parasite control strategies for your cattle.

Best Practices for Parasite Management

Beyond deworming, implementing broad management practices can boost your efforts against pasture parasites.

Implementing Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing is a sustainable practice that can significantly reduce parasite loads in pastures. By allowing different groups of cattle to graze various areas, you minimize the time any one group spends on a previously infected pasture, lowering their exposure.
This method also encourages healthier pasture conditions and improves the quality of the forage available for cattle.

Regular Monitoring and Pasture Management

Regularly monitoring your cattle's health can help you detect parasite infestations early. Conduct weight checks, assess overall condition, and look for signs of illness. Early detection is key to managing infestations before they escalate.

Good pasture management practices—such as controlling manure to lessen contamination and using strategic fencing—can drastically lower the risk of parasite exposure.

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Conclusion: Prioritizing Parasite Management

Successfully managing pasture parasites is vital for maintaining a healthy and productive herd. By understanding the lifecycle of these parasites, employing timely deworming strategies, and adhering to best management practices, you can protect your cattle and maximize their potential.

Although the ongoing challenge against parasites may seem daunting, effective solutions like SAFE-GUARD products can lead to beneficial outcomes. With the right approach, cattle farming can be both sustainable and profitable.

For more information about products like SAFE-GUARD and tips on cattle parasite management, feel free to reach out. Together, we can help ensure your cattle stay protected and productive.