Dr.iCow’s Diary
Date: 12.02.2020
Hi doctor,
What is the best dewormer for cattle after long rains?
From: Dominic, County: Bomet, Kenya.
Dear Dominic,
Regular deworming throughout worms and flukes seasons help to ensure better livestock which are healthier, make better use of available feeds, better weight gain and increased milk yields. Please use a dewormer with broad spectrum of activity to treat all major stomach and intestinal roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms and liver flukes. It should have killing power on worms on all stages of their life cycle which include adult, larvae, eggs and flukes, has a wide safety of margin for all animals; young, pregnant and those in poor body condition, should be simple and safe to use with accurate and clear dose, should have short withdraw periods for milk and meat for human consumption.
Do not over dose or under dose, restrain the animal properly to avoid unnecessary struggles and injuries. Deworm pregnant cows after the first trimester or 3 months of pregnancy. It is advisable to deworm in the morning after milking, deworm all animals in the farm at the same time and at least 4 times in a year just before the start and after long and short rains. Examples of dewormers available are; Nilzan Plus, Gardal, Levafas and Valbazen among others.
Considerations when choosing a dewormer are; spectrum of activity, product efficacy and preferably it should be broad, withdrawal time for milk, eggs and meat for human consumption, cost effectiveness, and method of administration. Always follow the product dosing guide given by the manufacturer on the product label or as directed by a vet doctor.
Worms cause intestinal tissue damage and blood losses resulting in poor nutrient absorption, lowered feed conversion and reduce immunity. Calves dewormed during pre-weaning period have better average weight gain and better performance. A proper deworming practice or program increases your livestock overall productivity and efficiency.
Thank you
From your friend and advisor,
Dr.iCow