Internal parasites can dramatically alter how an animal’s immune system functions, weakening its ability to respond to preventive health protocols like vaccinations.

In order to have healthy animals, producers must understand the normal health attributes of livestock, routinely monitor their animals and make management changes when necessary.

Drench guns are indispensable tools on livestock operations when administering oral dewormers or liquid medications. As with other tools on a cattle operation, it is important to know how to use these appropriately and maintain them.

As we approach midsummer, there are important reasons to consider deworming. Almost immediately after cattle are turned out on contaminated green grass, they begin picking up parasites that can start doing damage in a very short time.

Summer is here, and that means cattle are grazing, and with it, dealing with parasites. Deworming is a herd management practice that can yield a significant return on investment.

It’s really important to make a conscious effort to analyze this past year’s herd health and objectively reflect on what worked and what didn't. Doing so will help guide decisions for an even better year ahead and maximize the success of your operation from an animal health perspective.

What are cows doing if parasites are hanging around? Certainly not what they’re supposed to be doing. External parasites can affect a cow’s milk production immediately, because cows will spend their time scratching instead of eating or resting.