Dr.iCows’ Diary
Date: 31.01.2020
Case №: 03/2020
Dear Dr. iCow,
I served my cows last year November. How long will they take to be dewormed?
From: Farmer Japheth, County:Kericho, Kenya
Discussion:
Japheth wanted to deworm his three cows which were served on various dates of 16.10.2019, 29.11.2019 and 11.12.2019 and wanted to know whether it would be safe. It is safe to deworm cows during pregnancy but it is advisable to deworm after the first trimester as there are some products like albendazole which are restricted during this period.
Dear Japheth,
It is advisable to deworm pregnant livestock after the first trimester. For the cows avoid deworming the first 3 months of pregnancy. In sheep and goats the critical period to avoid deworming is in the first 2 months in order to avoid abortions and birth defects in lambs and kids. Some dewormers cannot be used just before, during and just after breeding.
Deworm your animals 1 month or 30 days before artificial insemination –A.I. or natural service. Dewormers have conditions of use due to their toxic effects on the developing fetus. Some dewormers are restricted during the first trimester e.g. albendazole based products.
Always consult a veterinarian for advice in determining which dewormer is best to use in your livestock, proper dosages and withdraw period.
Note: To get the correct weight of your cows, measure them with weigh tape , readily available from most agro dealers.
To get the correct weight, do the following:
a) Measure the cow with it’s head up. When the head is down the chest expands and you will get the wrong measurement.
(b) Measure the heart girth region just behind the shoulders, not the abdomen
c) Make sure the tape touches the animal and is not too loose nor too tight as this will give a wrong reading.
Please read the product’s label, understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not under dose or over dose when administering a dewormer.
Restrain the animal properly to avoid unnecessary struggles and injuries. Hold cows neck up straight and slowly feed the worming medicine into the side of its mouth. Rub often to allow the cow to swallow. Do not administer the medicine quickly or you may choke the cow. If the medicine gets into the lungs of the cow it may get pneumonia. Be careful.
Ensuring the right dosage is used is both economical and efficient. The wrong dosage may result in ineffective treatment. Overdosage is a waste of your money.
Observe the manufacturer’s recommend withdraw periods for milk and meat after deworming. It is advisable to deworm during morning hours after milking and deworm all your livestock on the farm at the same time.
Worms can be grouped as round worms, tape worms and flukes. They are controlled by good feeding and watering practices and regular use of effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic or dewormers. It is important to make the right choice of the dewormers as some are not recommended for treating pregnant animals.
Deworming dairy cows at early lactation consistently increases milk yields more than any other time of treatment.
Thank you.
From your friend and advisor,
Dr.iCow