CALF_News_April_May_2021

37 CALF News • April | May 2021 • www.calfnews.net Refugia – This is the portion of a pasture’s parasite popu- lation that is not exposed to the selection process. Parasites are left in refuge from the dewormer. Refugia allows for dilution or weakening of a resistant parasite population, and is considered “the-single most important factor in delaying onset of anthel- mintic resistance,” Step said. Management – This refers to both herd and pasture, and includes proper biosecurity to prevent the introduction of resistant parasites in the pasture and herd. Additionally, pro- ducers should take steps to improve herd immunity through better nutrition and vaccinations to decrease disease pressure. For the pasture, prevent overgrazing to help avoid soil compac- tion, which slows forage regrowth, stunts the root system and increases weed growth. If possible, maintain proper forage height for a particular grass and consider alternate or rota- tional pasture grazing patterns. PARASITE MANAGEMENT Continued from page 34 INDUSTRY’S FIRST AUTOMATED SQUEEZE CHUTE BRUTE CATTLE EQUIPMENT 402.693.2221 www.dodgemfg.com ® Visit us on the Web, Facebook or Twitter for video demonstrautions. A UTONOMOUS C ATCH-CHUTE E LITE BRUTE DOUBLE & SINGLE WEDGE ALLEYS, TUBS & LOADOUTS Call Today! Minimize Lost Production Doug Ensley, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim senior techni- cal services veterinarian, noted that reproductive performance is the most important economic trait in a beef cowherd. He added that a solid deworming program can promote earlier calving and enhance profit potential. He cited these key reproduction performance factors:  Early conception in the breeding season will produce calves that weigh more at weaning.  A calf conceived the first day of a 60-day breeding season will be worth about $108 more than one conceived the last day.  An open cow costs about $850 per year to maintain.  Infertility costs the cattle industry about $2.8 billion annually. Ensley emphasized that, without a well-managed deworm- ing program, parasite infestations can have a direct effect on cattle. Parasites can cause appetite suppression, interference in digestion, increased gut motility and mucus secretion, and reduced absorption, resulting in protein loss. Indirectly, para- sites can cause immune system response suppression. Research from Iowa State University, which measured the economic impact of deworming, indicates that deworm- ers improve calves’ weaning weight by more than 23 percent (including the pregnancy rate and survival rate of calves), Ensley said. Research concluded that removing dewormers had a 34 percent impact on breakeven costs, or a BE cost increase of more than $165 per head. Both Ensley and Step encouraged producers to consult with their veterinarians to determine the best dewormer program for their pasture and overall environment. “By using an endectocide and a white dewormer, you maxi- mize efficacy, control more parasites and reduce the risk of developing parasite resistance in your herd,” Step said. And the “four-pillar” approach will likely provide positive results in managing parasite control.  A solid deworming program can promote earlier calving and enhance profit potential.