After turnout, calves and heifers will start to be exposed to a gutworm challenge. The rate at which they become infected with gutworm larvae will depend on the animal’s level of immunity, and the infectivity status of the pasture.
Regular, pooled Faecal Egg Count (FEC) testing can be a helpful indicator of the amount of worm eggs being shed onto the pasture in the first few months of the year. However, unlike in sheep, it is not a reliable measure of worm burden in individual animals.
To be an effective diagnostic tool, pooled FECs should be performed regularly, starting a few weeks after turnout. Over time, you will be able to see whether egg output is increasing or not.
FECs should be used alongside regular weighing of youngstock, tracked against ADLWG targets, to help you decide whether any animals would benefit from a worm treatment. A failure to meet growth and weight targets despite adequate nutrition, is most likely caused by a worm burden.
When to worm
Calves and heifers should only be treated if FECs show egg numbers rising and weight gain targets are missed. Holding off treating until necessary allows immunity to develop in young cattle and refugia to establish, while preventing excessive pasture contamination and potential parasitic disease later in the season.
If treatment is required, EPRINEX® Pour-On is a tried and tested zero-milk withhold wormer that treats and provides protection against reinfection with the most pathogenic gutworm species Ostertagia ostertagi and the cattle lungworm for up to 28 days.
Whole group treatments should be avoided if possible as they can increase the risk of wormer resistance. Work with your vet or animal health advisor to determine the best way of implementing a more sustainable, targeted approach to worm control on your farm
EPRINEX® Pour-On for beef and dairy cattle contains eprinomectin. POM-VPS. Advice should be sought from the prescriber. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. EPRINEX® and the Steerhead® logo are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France SCS, used under licence. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Mar 2023. UI-BOV-0028-2023. Use Medicines Responsibly.