Internal parasites in ruminants can cause loss of condition and diminish the immune system. During November, we are at the end of the grazing season here in the upper Midwest. This is an excellent time to deworm your livestock.
There is an increase in resistance by internal parasites to some of the commonly used dewormers. This is especially becoming a concern with the ivermectin type pour-ons and injectables. One of the best ways to reduce resistance is to alternate dewormer classes as part of a parasite management program.
The natural dewormers have an advantage of having many different compounds working synergistically. This makes it more difficult for parasites to develop resistance. Whether you are managing organically or conventionally, these products can be valuable. Our own cattle, sheep, and goats are not organically certified, but we have good success using the products listed below:
- Dr Paul’s Lab - CGS Remedy. This is a ground botanical product that is easily mixed in feed or haylage or corn silage to allow the animals to consume it. The recommendation is to treat the entire flock or herd and repeat in 2 weeks. Buy Now
- Dr. Paul’s Lab – Eliminate Boluses. This botanical blend is in a gelatin capsule and administered with a balling gun. This is an easy way to treat individual animals. I recommend using in animals over 500# because of the size of the bolus. Buy Now
- Dr. Paul’s Lab – S&G Pills. These are small gelatin capsule boluses designed to be given to adult sheep and goats. Again, useful if treating individual animals. Buy Now
If not using the natural/organic options, it is possible to use alternating dewormer classes to reduce resistance. Examples of this are:
- Ivermectins – Ivomac, Cydectin, Eprinex, Dectomax, and generic versions
- Benzimidazoles – Fenbendazole (Panacur/Safeguard), Valbazen, Synantic
- Morantel Tartrate - Rumantel