LOW WORM BURDENS AND CATTLE WEIGHT LOSS

Courtesy of Virbac.

It is well known that cattle worms significantly cause weight loss. New research has confirmed that young cattle lose weight even when worm egg counts (WEC) are very low (10-100 eggs per gram).¹

Even in a dry season, when worm numbers are expected to be lower, using an effective drench in young cattle is essential to avoid health and productivity issues.

Young cattle are losing significant weight even at very low worm egg counts.

Research has linked the results seen on worm egg counts to production loss.^1-5
A key finding is that young cattle lose significant weight despite low worm burdens.

Research in 2021 found that weight gain progressively decreased as WECs increased (pictured). Young cattle lose 1.5 kg a month when worm egg counts were only 10-99 eggs per gram. Even at these low levels, worms decreased average daily gain (ADG) by 11%.¹

When worm egg counts reach 700 eggs per gram, cattle lost 6 kg over the month, with average daily gain reduced by 200 grams.¹

A detailed review of studies in 2022 found similar findings with a slight increase of worm egg counts equal to a decrease of ADG by 5-15%. The work shows a predictable relationship between increased WEC and relative daily growth rate.²

Under dry conditions, cattle will still need an effective drench.

Under hot and dry conditions, immature stages of worms will not survive as long in the environment. This decreases the risk of animal accumulating larger worm burdens.

However young cattle will still be exposed to worms and their growth will be impacted. Low parasite burdens will also have more impact when cattle face declining protein levels under seasonal conditions.

Even if the intake of new worm burdens is low, pre-existing Ostertagia burdens will cause damage to the lining of the stomach. Under dry conditions, high-risk cattle such as those less than 2 years of age, bulls and young breeders will still need an effective drench.

Do I need a drench that treats inhibited Ostertagia?

In Southern Australia, weaners and young breeders must be protected using a drench with a label claim against inhibited Ostertagia. This is because the emergence of inhibited Ostertagia from the stomach lining causes cattle health and productivity issues. Not all combination drenches have a claim against inhibited Ostertagia. Combination drenches are always needed, regardless of the season, good or bad.

Cattle worms, especially Barber’s pole worm and Cooperia have become harder to control because of widespread drench resistance.^3-6

It is recommended only to use combination drenches (products that contain more than one ingredient against the same worm) or concurrent drenches (using two products on the same day that contain a different active against the same worm).

This will ensure control of 99-100% of worms, protect against drench resistance and optimise cattle growth.⁶
This approach is advised regardless of the season, good or bad.

Combination drenches are the new standard in cattle

Why did the Cydectin Platinum treated cattle grow better?

• It’s simple – Cydectin Platinum combines the most potent and persistent active Moxidectin with the knockdown effect of Levamisole.
• It is 99-100% effective against all key cattle worm, including against single and dual-resistant ones.^1,7
• Increase cattle growth from 2 kg to 34 kg compared to single active drenches and untreated cattle all across Australia.^3-6

Cattle producers must consider moving from single active drenches to combinations like Cydectin Platinum.

More Information: au.virbac.com/platinum 

References:

1. Zepa et al (2021). Association between fecal egg count and weight gain in young beef cattle. Livestock Science Vol 244.
2. Shepherd et al (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of strongyle parasitism on growth rates in young cattle. Veterinary Parasitology, Vol 309.
3. Virbac (2023). Comparative Efficacy and Productivity in QLD Cattle following use of Moxidectin/Levamisole or Ivermectin/Fluazuron – Data on file.
4. Virbac (2022). Comparative Worm and Tick Efficacy Tick Counts and Productivity in QLD Cattle following Moxidectin/Levamisole or Doramectin Pour-On – Data on file.
5. NSW DPI/LLS (2021). Pearces  Creek Effiacy and Production Response to Injectable Drenches – Virbac data on file.
6. Gibbison and Ball (2021). Resistance patterns to avermectins and milbemycins in current straights of Australia cattle nematodes.
7. Refer to the registered label Cydectin Platinum APVMA 88072/139297

“Weight Gain” is not a Cydectin Platinum registered claim.