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grasses. Because parasites
won’t travel high enough on
browse to be of concern, pro-
vide browsers, such as goats,
with ample browse, and limit
their grazing time to reduce
parasite consumption.
Incorporating even a few
of these practices will help re-
duce the overall parasite load
of any species. In turn, you’ll
help reduce dewormer usage
and slow the development of
parasite resistance.New Practices
Gone are the days of
simply rotating dewormers on
a schedule. Now, we’re faced
with highly resistant parasites
that our dewormers simply
can’t kill.
The new plan of action
for our farms should include
wiser anthelmintic selection
based on fecal tests, carefully
choosing which animals to deworm, and incorporating better pasture management
practices. And we should continue to research and study new methods, such as
better nutrition, selecting naturally parasite-resistant animal species, maintaining
lower stocking rates, and so much more in this battle against parasites. Incorporat-
ing as many facets as we can manage allows us to use our dewormers more safely
and more accurately to keep our livestock healthy for years to come.Kristi Cook and her family have been building their homestead for many years in a quest
for a more sustainable lifestyle. Follow her at http://www.TenderHeartsHomestead.com.More On Using
Anthelmintics Wisely
■ American Consortium for Small Ruminant
Parasite Control, http://www.Wormx.info
Research on small ruminant parasite control,
much of which may also be used for larger,
non-ruminant species. Includes chart for
small-ruminant anthelmintic dosages.■ University of Wisconsin Extension,
http://FYI.Extension.Wisc.edu
Information on parasite life cycles, effectiveness
of various dewormers, and deworming strategies.■ The Center for Environmental Farming Systems,
http://www.CEFS.NCSU.edu
Search for “Integrated GI Parasite
Management Program.”■ The University of Rhode Island, http://www.URI.edu
Search for “Modified McMaster Fecal Egg
Counting Procedure.”You can also select animals for
deworming based primarily on typi-
cal times of heaviest parasite loads,
rather than deworming year-round.
For instance, most livestock species
experience higher FECs during early
lactation or when very young, while
older, well-nourished, nonlactating
animals may be less likely to carry
a high load, and as such are a safer
selection for skipping the deworm-
ing when based on FECs. Also,
depending on the livestock and the
parasite you’re concerned about,
deworming may be selected based
on the seasonality of the parasite, as
some parasites are more prevalent
in winter, while others are more
prevalent in cool, wet spring months.
If taking this approach, carefully
time your FECs to ensure you catch
an accurate count to aid in your
decision-making. Seasonal FECs
are still recommended, as individual
parasite loads may vary from season
to season.Healthy Livestock
Housekeeping
Pasture management is the final
aspect to using dewormers safely and
with less frequency. Any feed that
falls to the ground around feces and
is then consumed is a prime source
of parasitic contamination. Maintain
feeders above ground level to help
prevent this from happening. Water
troughs need to be kept clean and
filled with fresh water at all times to
avoid animals drinking from feces-
laden water.
Maintain a suitable height for for-
age whenever possible. Most experts
recommend a height of 6 to 8 inches
to help inhibit the parasites’ ability
to climb to the tip and be consumed
during grazing. Accomplish this with
rotational grazing whenever space
allows, and reseed as necessary to
keep growth lush and tall. Keep stock
off pasture until the forage is dry,
as parasitic larvae require moisture
to be able to travel to the tops of