Improving production with the help of

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1 veevernuf stocksense 2015 ISSUE 3 2 BRUCELLOSIS IN CATTLE 3 Dr Chriche du Plessis KLOSTRIDIALE SIEKTES - DEEL2 Dr Johan Cloete Improving production with the help of RALGRO CATTLE and RALGRO SHEEP - Dr Koba Grobler In today s competitive market one should think smarter and not just work harder. RALGRO CATTLE and RALGRO SHEEP can help you stay on top of your game by allowing animals to reach their maximum genetic potential with the resources at hand. 5 The importance of CALF DEWORMING Jacques van Rensburg RALGRO CATTLE and RALGRO SHEEP contain the active ingredient Zeranol which is a semisynthetic anabolic agent. It is important to note that Zeranol is not a hormone, but an analogue of the plant oestrogen zearalenone which is a substance released from a fungus which grows on maize. Zeranol does however mimic the effects of the hormone oestradiol in the body. Oestrogenic implants work by stimulating the pituitary gland which in turn, leads to increased production and release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor. These secondary hormones stimulate protein synthesis by making nutrients available for muscle and skeletal growth, rather than for fat synthesis. This results in more rapid, more efficient and leaner growth. Sufficient growth cannot take place if adequate nutrition is not provided. It is thus necessary that one should supplement with concentrates or creep feed during the active period. Intervet South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 1991/006580/07 20 Spartan Road Spartan, 1619, RSA Private Bag X2026 Isando, 1600, RSA Tel +27 (0) Fax +27 (0) Sales Fax +27 (0) ZA/OTH/0215/0002 RALGRO CATTLE can be used in suckling calves, as a first implant in lightweight feedlot calves or in non-pregnant cull cows entering a feedlot. The implant will lead to an approximate increase in average daily gain of 10 %, as well as an 8 % increase in feed conversion efficiency. An added advantage of implantation of suckling calves is that skeletal growth as well as muscle growth will take place. This leads to an increased potential of the animal to put on muscle when it ultimately enters the feedlot. The implant has been approved for use in heifers intended to be kept as breeding herd replacements, but implantation should be done after selection of the replacements as it will significantly alter body conformation. RALGRO CATTLE should not be used for bulls intended for breeding regardless of age and should only be used once off on replacement heifers. With RALGRO SHEEP, the feeding period at which the break-even point is reached is sooner, and the average daily gain and feed conversion increases by %. RALGRO SHEEP should under no circumstances be used in animals intended for breeding. RALGRO CATTLE and Ralgro Sheep have the ability to deliver proven performance and it is clear why farmers are producing meat smarter with the help of RALGRO. References: 1. Preston, R.L. (1999). Hormone containing growth promoting implants in farmed livestock. Advanced drug delivery reviews 38 (1999) Brander, G.C., Pugh, D.M., Bywater, R.J. & Jenkins, W.L. (1991). Veterinary Applied Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Baillere Tindall W.B. Saunders, Great Britain. 3. Reinhardt, C. (2007). Growth-promotant implants: managing the tools. 23 (2007) Birkelo, C.P. Pharmaceuticals, direct-fed microbials, and enzymes for enhancing growth and feed efficiency of beef. Veterinary clinics of North America: food animal practice 19 (2003) Performance platforms. MSD Animal Health. RALGRO CATTLE G1406 (Act 36/1947) Each implant contains: Zeranol 36 mg (3 pellets) RALGRO SHEEP G1802 (Act 36/1947) Each implant contains: Zeranol 12 mg (73,8 % m/m). ZA/000/0000/0000

2 BRUCELLOSIS IN CATTLE a diagnostic nightmare Dr Chriche du Plessis In our last article we discussed brucellosis in more detail with regards to the disease and the prevention and control measures that can be put in place. In this article we will focus on the difficulty in diagnosing the disease. Difficulties with Diagnosing the Disease Correctly As Brucella organisms hide away in the cells of the body and are only in the bloodstream for a very short period of time, tests to pick up the organism itself are very difficult to perform. We have to rely on tests that pick up the presence of the organism in the body. These we call antibody tests. Antibodies are the body s first line of defence against infection. Antibodies are formed by the immune system when a foreign organism enters the body. When the immune system is functioning optimally, antibodies play an important role in clearing infections. Once the animal is healthy and free of the infecting organism, antibodies remain in the bloodstream attesting to the presence of a past infection. In stress conditions such as under-nutrition, internal parasite infection and sometimes even pregnancy, this defence mechanism is compromised. Brucella antibodies share characteristics with the antibodies of some other organisms such as Salmonella and E.coli. This may result in false positive tests thus impacting on the interpretation of results when performing the Milk Ring Test. When we vaccinate an animal, the body has the same reaction as it would have against a natural infection. In some cases, as with the S19 vaccine strain, this antibody reaction can be prolonged interfering with Brucella screening tests. In the case of the RB51 vaccine strain no antibodies are detected following vaccination. The antibodies tested for in serology (blood) tests are not produced after vaccination with the RB51 vaccine strain, hence serology tests remain negative. However should a vaccinated animal be challenged by a field strain, the body will react and antibodies will be formed, resulting in positive tests despite vaccination. It is thus extremely difficult to interpret test results accurately based on an isolated sample and without the full herd vaccination history. To determine if an animal is infected requires repeated testing. Your State Veterinarian will advise on the different tests needed to confirm a positive diagnosis. The Tests Available Milk Ring Test In dairies the most commonly used test is the Milk Ring Test. This is routinely done on the bulk milk tank. The test is extremely sensitive. That means that it can have the potential for testing a lot of negative herds positive. It can be compared to the saying for every bit of smoke there is a fire. The Milk Ring Test picks up all the smoke signals even if there isn t a raging veld fire. These smoke signals can be the result of a braaivleis or your neighbour smoking. The Milk Ring Test tests for antibodies against Brucella present in the milk and can detect antibodies in the bulk milk tank even when as few as 1 or 2 cows in a 700 cow milking herd are infected with Brucella. False positive results could be due to cows with a high somatic cell count contributing to the bulk milk tank, such as cows with mastitis, colostrum or late lactation milk. Serum Agglutination Tests For these tests, blood is taken and sent to the laboratory. These tests are only done on individual animals. The laboratory uses the serum of the animal to test for antibodies. They use a special solution that they mix with the serum. If there are antibodies in the blood it will bind to the solution and a colour reaction will occur. Even though it sounds simple these tests are technically very difficult to perform. Two of these tests, the RBT (Rose Bengal Test) and CFT (Complement Fixation Test) are the most commonly performed in South Africa. The RBT is like the Milk Ring Test, it sees all the smoke signals. The CFT then weeds out all the smoke signals to see the real veld fires. Culture Culture of Brucella organisms is the definitive test confirming an infection. In the early stages of an infection a blood sample can be taken to try and culture the bacteria in the blood. This is extremely difficult and more often than not the test will not give the desired result. Culture is used more successfully on any aborted material and lymph node biopsies taken after a positively tested cow has been slaughtered. Milk and udder tissue can be used for culturing as well. Culture tests can take up to 2 weeks to show any growth. One other test exists, namely the Brucellin Skin Test. It is similar to a TB (tuberculosis) test but is not currently available or allowed in South Africa. As is evident from the above, brucellosis testing is not as clear cut as one would like. There are numerous factors taken into account before an animal/ herd is eventually declared positive. However, due to the importance of the disease each positive test should be thoroughly investigated. Ignoring smoke signals could result in a devastating raging fire. ZA/R51/0215/ ISSUE 3

3 KLOSTRIDIALE SIEKTES: HERKOUERS DEEL 2 (Gasgangreen) - Dr. Johan Cloete Hierdie kieme (bakterieë) is almal gram-positiewe, anaërobies-lewende organismes (lae suurstof omgewing). Dit beteken hulle groei baie beter in n omgewing van liggaamsweefsel, organiese materiaal ensomeer, wat n baie lae suurstofinhoud het. n Verskeidenheid kieme kan in n rusfase oorleef in die vorm van n spoor. Sodra die mikro-omgewing waarin hulle hulself bevind, aan die suurstofarme toestand blootgestel word, kan hulle skielik baie vinnig begin groei met meestal dodelike gevolge vir die herkouer. Gangreneuse groep Die eerste groep staan bekend as die gangreneuse groep. Dié groep siektes veroorsaak primêr n mate van vinnige weefsel-afsterwe met verrotting (nekrose) met of sonder gasvorming. Dit is dan algemeen geneig om n oormate gas vry te stel. Dit veroorsaak dan gereeld dat die spiere, weefsel en onderhuidse omgewing versteur word. n Mens sien dan spiere wat voorkom asof hulle geskeur het en asof gasblasies in die weefsel en onder die vel gevorm het. Die weefsel kan dan vanaf n ligte vaal kleur tot n diep donkerrooi, selfs perserige kleur vertoon. Hierdie ou, sponssiekte term is die rede hoekom daar vandag veral nog n groot verwarring bestaan. Meeste produsente praat van sponssiekte maar dit is eintlik die oorkoepelende naam vir alle gangreneuse sponssiektes soos hieronder gelys. Daar is twee soorte klostridium siektes wat nie in Suid Afrika voorkom nie, maar waarvoor daar wel deur verskeie klostridium entstowwe voorsorg getref word. Hulle is C. haemolyticum (bakteriese rooi-uriene: nie in RSA) en C. novyi tipe B (Nekrotiese hepatitis: nie in RSA). Klostridiale siektes in die gangreneuse groep wat wel algemeen in Suid Afrika voorkom, is: C. chauvoei Sponssiekte C. novyi tipe A Ram-dikkop C. septicum Baarmoedersponssiekte C. sordellii Kwaadaardige edeem Dit is belangrik om n onderskeid te tref d.m.v. korrekte nadoodse ondersoeke wat gerugsteun word deur weefselontledings by betroubare veeartseny laboratoriums. Produsente sowel as veeartse moet die siektes saam korrek verstaan. Selfs veeartse wat nie gereeld met die siektes en hul diagnostiese metodes werk nie, kan foute maak en daarom is die tipering van die klostridium kiem (bakterie) van uiterste belang. Gewoonlik is die vrektes in die gangreneuse groep a.g.v.hul eksotoksiese gifstowwe (2) soos byvoorbeeld die van C. sordellii, baie akuut (vinnig). Dit is ook nie ongewoon om meer as een sponssiekte soort in n dooie dier te vind nie, byvoorbeeld C. chauvoei + C. sordellii; C. chauvoei + C. septicum of C. sordellii + C. septicum of selfs al drie in sommige gevalle. Wanpersepsie oor sponssiekte Daar word ongelukkig algemeen verkeerdelik na al hierdie siektes as sponssiekte verwys. Dit is maklik om te verstaan hoe dit gebeur. Sponssiekte oftewel Clostridium chauvoei, is die wetenskaplike naam vir een van die oudste sponssiektes bekend aan die mens. Sover ons dit verstaan, was dit een van die eerste en mees besproke klostridium siektes in herkouers waarvan ons geleer het. 3

4 Die kliniese- en nadoodse simptome wat gepaard gaan met veevrektes, veral by beeste, is redelik patogonomies (beskrywing van n siekte voorkoms en letsels wat in n dier waargeneem word wat baie akkuraat en direk gekoppel is aan n spesifieke siekte). Die produsent sien byvoorbeeld sy trop beeste in die laat middag en die volgende oggend vroeg, vind hy n hele paar beeste wat individueel of tegelykertyd gevrek het. Aangesien beeste tropdiere is, sal van die diere naby mekaar lê. Die bakteriese kiem groei geweldig vinnig en verdeel ongeveer elke 20 minute binne die dier. Dus ondergaan dit n logaritmiese vermeerdering en soos wat hulle vermeerder, produseer hulle n gifstof wat direk in die dier se liggaam vrygestel word. Soos wat die gifstof vrygestel word en versprei, vernietig dit omliggende sowel as verafgeleë weefsel, aangesien die organismes en hul gifstowwe al hoe vinniger deur die liggaam versprei word deur die bloed. Die hele proses kan vanaf een punt, so klein as n speldeprik, ontstaan. Soos wat die verdeling vermeerder, word die eksotoksien (2) (gifstof) vrygestel in die dier se liggaam. Dit vermeerder in naïewe beeste teen n hoër tempo as wat die dier se liggaam dit kan neutraliseer deur middel van teenliggaampies, witbloedselle en ander immuunregulerende faktore. Wanneer die beeste in n na-doodse ondersoek (post mortem) oopgesny word, ervaar mens gereeld n reuk op wat soos galsterige botter ruik. Hierdie is die kenmerkende gas wat die kieme vrystel gedurende die groei en vermeerdering van C. chauvoei. Kompliserende faktore Baie produsente / veeartse dink net aan C. chauvoei (ou klassieke sponssiekte). Dat n visuele / makroskopiese post mortem (P.M) voldoende is. Ander siekte voorkoms b.v: Longontsteking Suurpens Opblaas Gifplante Slangbyt Ionofore P.M s is baie keer op ou karkasse (> 8-12 ure) wat kan lei tot onvoldoende P.M bevindinge vir akkurate diagnoses. Soms neem veeartse onvoldoende monsters. Veld omstandighede maak dit moeilik. Werk nie gereeld daarmee nie. Meer as een soort klostridium tegerlykertyd in die karkas. Produsente wil nie vir die volledige P.M. kostes betaal nie. Onkunde oor die samestelling van verskeie klostridium entstowwe en hul gebruik. Kostes: n P.M. kan n dag in beslag lê en n aansienlike koste uitgawe beloop. Laboratoriums vêr weg geleë. Voorsorgmaatreels 1 Vir diere wat nog nooit voorheen teen klostridiale siektes in geënt was nie, behoort twee dosisse van n multi-klostridiale entstof met n interval van 3-4 weke uit mekaar toegedien te word. Diere moet jaarliks weer met n enkele skraagdosis ingeënt word voor periodes van uiterste risiko of parturisie (kalwing of lam). Diere wat voor 3 maande ouderdom ingeënt was behoort weer teen speenouderdom of 4 tot 6 maande ouderdom n skraagdosis te kry. n Immuunrespons word gewoonlik binne die bestek van 3 tot 4 weke na inenting bereik en dit behoort vir ongeveer 1 jaar beskerming te bied. In hieropvolgende artikels bespreek ons die ander klostridiale siektes bietjie meer in n sindroom groep- verband. Die MSD klostridiale entstof beskermingsfunksies en spektrum van dekking sal ook meer in besonderhede bespreek word. Verwysings: 1. Sheila M. McGuirk, DVM, PhD; Managing Clostridial Diseases in Cattle, University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI Kenneth Todar, PhD, Todar s Online Text Book of Bacteriology, Bacterial Protein Toxins SUPAVAX G2643 (Wet 36/1947) Bevat toksoïedes van Clostridium botulinum tipes C1+2 en tipe D, anakulture van geïnaktiveerde Clostridium chauvoei en lewende spore van Bacillus anthracis. DUOVAX G2328 (Wet 36/1947) Bevat geïnaktiveerde toksoïedes van Clostridium chauvoei en Clostridium botulinum tipes C1 + 2 en D. SPONSVAX G2063 (Wet 36/1947) Bevat geïnaktiveerde Clostridium chauvoei entstof. COVEXIN 10 G3354 (Wet 36/1947) Bevat Clostridium perfringens tipes A, B, C en D, Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium novyi tipe B, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium tetani, Clostridium sordellii en Clostridium haemolyticum (Clostridium novyi tipe D). Foto: istockphoto.com ZA/COV/0914/ ISSUE 3

5 The importance of CALF DEWORMING and associated cost benefit - Jacques van Rensburg Gastro-intestinal parasites have two basic functions in life: First is to completely live off the animals they invade and secondly to reproduce. Their eggs are passed out in the animal s faeces contaminating the environment of their host animal thus maintaining their life cycle and keeping the species alive. Fortunately, in most parts of the country, parasitic larvae have a seasonal infection pattern 1. Older animals like mature cows in particular have the ability to fight off parasitic challenges, or at least keep these invaders to a minimum. Internal parasites, however, may be silent robbers of performance existing as a sub-clinical infection in your herd. Although these parasite infections may not be significant enough to manifest clinical signs, they may still result in a lower weaning mass in beef calves and in dairy heifers reaching the optimal breeding mass much later. If you think the effect of any given parasite stops simply with lower weight gains and an unthrifty appearance, you have been totally misinformed. Internal parasites may contribute to many other conditions like anemia (loss of red blood cells); which may be very significant due to its negative effect on red blood cells and oxygen transport as well as suppressing the immune system 1. This interferes with the immune system s ability to respond to vaccines and other invaders like bacteria, viruses and internal parasites which may lead to the production of lower-than-normal white-cell populations within the body. Moisture is essential for worm survival and moist pastures are the ideal environment for worms to survive in large numbers and infest their host. Internal parasites are a greater problem in higher rainfall areas, especially following wet rainy weather and where pastures are intensively stocked. Young calves are more susceptible to the effects of worms as their immunity only develops with age and exposure to the parasites. Immunity is reduced where nutrition is poor or environmental conditions not optimal. Some common internal parasites that may have a negative impact on your cow/calf operation include 1 : 1. Gastrointestinal roundworms: Wireworm (Haemonchus placei), Brown Stomach Worm (Ostertagia ostertagi), Stomach Bankrupt Worm (Trichostrongylus spp.), Cattle Bankrupt Worm (Cooperia oncophora) and White Bankrupt Worm (Strongyloides papillosus). 2. Tape worms: Milk Tapeworm (Monezia expanza) 3. Lungworms: Dictyocaulus viviparous. 4. Eye worms: Thelazia spp. Diagnosis and Symptoms: The most common symptoms of roundworm infestation are often subclinical and manifest as reduced productivity i.e. lower growth rates and milk production. More obvious or clinical (visible) symptoms of heavy worm infestation in calves may include: 1. Diarrhoea 2. anaemia 3. bottle jaw (oedema) 4. dehydration 5. loss of body condition 5

6 6. rough coat 7. ill-thrift and 8. in some cases death. The major effect of roundworms is in the stomach or small intestine where they attack the gut wall, consuming blood, causing anaemia and reducing the nutrient absorption capacity of the tissues resulting in further debilitation through nutrient deprivation. Faecal examination of calves and heifers for worm eggs, before they show these signs will identify if and when drenching is necessary to prevent economic loss. Faecal egg counts can be performed at most veterinary laboratories and your private veterinarian. Your MSD sales agent may also be of assistance as MSD have their own local research facility that can assist in determining the egg counts and assess effectivity of your dosing regime. Treatment and Control The visual impact of internal parasites seems to be less when animals are well fed. Good feeding and management practices will reduce the need for anthelmintic treatment. Internal parasite control involves more than just routine deworming. Attention should be given to the following management guidelines: Pasture management: - Care should be taken not to over populate any pastures as this may lead to over grazing as well as over contamination by viable worm eggs. - Treatment before moving to a fresh camp promotes resistance as the camp is only contaminated with the surviving resistant worms. - Good pasture rotation and the treatment of any new animals prior to entry into a fresh camp will prevent any contamination with potential resistant worms from other areas. - Strategic deworming of animals at specific seasonal times and ages of the calves (depending on the area). Identifying the most economically relevant internal parasites to the area and more specifically to your farm. Your local veterinarian or MSD sales agent will be able to assist with worm identification. It is not possible to supply a generic dosing recommendation that may be used on all farms. It is advisable to seek professional advice and to use all available parasite control strategies to ensure the correct management of the internal parasite situation on a particular farm. Accurate dosing of animals when required with appropriate drugs will reduce economic losses due to parasitism and minimise the risk of developing drug resistance to parasites. Minimal and strategic usage of dosing remedies will allow the young calves to build up their own natural immunity to parasites over time. This practice is a delicate balance between too few or too many parasites and is a skill developed over time and through the use of scientific evaluation criteria e.g. regular weighing of calves, faecal EPG evaluations, clinical appearance of the calf. Note: Worm populations may increase rapidly after the onset of a wet rainy season and can build up to very high numbers over a short period of time. Calf deaths way occur 10 to 12 weeks after initial infestation, especially if there is a high infestation and if animals are stressed or underfed. Treatment and treatment frequency is influenced by the following factors: Environmental conditions (rainfall, humidity and temperatures), Nutrition and feed flow program, Age of the animals or group of animals Farm management Practices and resources. Be aware of potential liver fluke infestations in your area. If your herd is exposed to liver fluke, be sure to select a dewormer registered for the control of liver flukes. Deworming: Deworming beef cattle has evolved over the past 10 years to become a standard recommended practice on most progressive cow/calf operations throughout South Africa. The emphasis on the economic benefits of deworming has brought about this change. Beef producers recognize the value of deworming as a tool to greatly improve the efficiency and quality of their cattle and their calves. Each year, more and more producers are deworming their cattle to prevent economic losses caused by internal parasites rather than waiting until clinical signs are visible and the cattle are already showing signs of damage from the infestation 1. Weight gain trial 2 - The Economics of a strategic deworming program: Strategic parasite control has been reported to improve performance in a beef cow/calf herd that does not demonstrate clinical parasitism. This study was conducted to determine if strategic anthelmintic treatment in midsummer would improve growth and reproduction. The calves in the treated group significantly outgained the control calves in both years of the study by 19.3 kg and 13.2 kg, respectively. Average ISSUE 3

7 daily gain (ADG) after adjusting for birth weight and birth date for treated calves was 0.13 kg greater than for control calves (0.83 vs. 0.70) for the 2-year study there was also a significant increase in the reproductive performance of the cows. The pregnancy rate averaged across years was 94% for the treated cows compared to 82% for the control animals. Parasite control programs have changed dramatically over the past decade. In the past only animals suffering from clinical parasitism would be treated. Recent studies document that animals infected with subclinical levels of gastrointestinal (G.I.) nematodes benefit from anthelmintic treatment. Bumgarner et al. (1986) found a 22.5 kg weaning weight advantage when parasites were controlled in a cow/calf herd compared to an untreated control group. Similarly, Wohlgemuth et al. (1990) measured a 31 lb (14.1 kg), 205 day adjusted weaning weight advantage. Stuedemann et al. (1989) observed an improvement in pregnancy rate of cows treated with an anthelmintic and a significant increase in the calving rate in addition to a 0.04 kg average daily gain (ADG) advantage for the treated calves. Results of the study: Comparison of the variances over the 2 years of the study allowed the two successive years to be included in the same statistical analysis. The calf weight gains, weaning weights and average daily gains are presented in table 1: Mean weight gain, weaning weight and average daily gain for treated and control calves Table 1: Parameters Treatment Groups Deworming Deworming advantage in Non-Treated Calves Treated Calves advantage in kg R R15.50/kg (Control) Weight gain kg Year R Year R Average R Weaning weight Year R Year R Average R Average daily gain Year R2.10 Year R1.70 Average R2.00 There was an 18.6 kg advantage in weight gain at weaning for the treated group and they were weaned 18.5 kg heavier at weaning and also had lower faecal egg counts than the controls. There was a kg ADG advantage for treated calves over the 2-year study. This study demonstrated the benefits of the strategic administration of an anthelmintic in a cow/calf herd. Similar findings have been reported for five different treatment programs, with weight gain advantages ranging from 2.6 kg to 15.9 kg for the five groups compared to untreated controls. Bumgarner et al. (1986) found a mean weight gain advantage of 18.7 kg for calves in treated herds. The weight gain/weaning weight advantage realized when nematode parasites are controlled throughout the grazing season provided a major economic advantage for the producer. GARDAL 10% - Suggested deworming product for calves and cattle GARDAL 10% Contains Ricobendazole 10% and is part of the Benzimidazoles or white drenches groups of anthelmintic. Benzimidazole actively binds with the receptors in the stomach lining of the roundworm and on the skin of the tapeworm. This action depresses the intake of protein and the parasite dies from starvation. Additional advantages of GARDAL 10% are: GARDAL 10% is registered as a broad spectrum dosing remedy for the treatment of not only roundworms (kills adults plus immature and inhibited larval stages) but is also effective for the treatment of milk tapeworms and liver fluke in calves, cattle, sheep and goats which means: One remedy for the control of various internal parasites thus saving labour and the cost of using more than one product for different parasite species. We know internal parasites have a negative impact on not only hampering the production of the animal but also affect the immune response of cattle and specific calves. Calves need to immunise optimally to vaccinations and other external health risk challenges like viruses, bacteria and various environmental conditions. This means when you use GARDAL 10% you will assist your calves immune response so that it may be stimulated optimally and will mean that they will immunise more effectively with their vaccination for external challenges by various organisms. This will mean healthier calves with potentially less future medication cost, growing faster and thus giving a better ROI (return on investment). 7

8 GARDAL 10% is highly effective in the treatment of milk tapeworms in calves. This means that calves will grow much faster and get to a much heavier weaning weight sooner. Milk tapeworm competes with the same nutrients in the calf and this at a time when they need it for proper development. The active Ricobendazole in GARDAL 10% reaches higher plasma concentration faster in the animal compared to albendazole. This means higher efficacy with potentially less parasites surviving and causing future infestation and potentially less pasture contamination with resistant strains of parasites 3. GARDAL 10% comes packed in a ready-to-use dosing remedy at a VERY economical dose rate of only 1,5 ml/20 kg bodyweight. A farmer will be able to dose 666, 100kg calves with one 5 litre! This makes GARDAL 10% cost effective per animal and one container will be able to treat a large portion of the heard, saving money per animal as well as storage space. Summary: Deworming, applied strategically, is a valuable tool to prevent production loss and allow animals to reach their maximum genetic potential. Many producers are adopting strategic parasite control and are shifting the timing of treatment to prevent economic losses. Over all, deworming given at the right time with the right product can add to the efficiency and economics of a deworming strategy 1. References: 1. All grazing cattle are economically impacted by gastro-intestinal parasites, Intervet Inc. Millsboro, DE NADA # Production responses following strategic parasite control in a beef cow/calf herd B.E. Stromberg a, *, R.J. Vatthauer c J.C. Schlotthauer a 9 G.H. Myers d, D.L. Haggard h, V.L. King b, H. Hanke. Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA 3. Information on file: MSD Animal Health Anthelmintic detailer - Deworming Reference catalogue. 098/1211 GARDAL 10% (G3201 Act 36 of 1947) Contains Ricobendaxole 10% m/v. GARDAL 10% is Ovicidal, which inhibits the development of worm eggs preventing the hatching of roundworm eggs. This decreases environmental contamination and increase treatment intervals, saving time and money. Ricobendazole is known to be a highly effective active in the treatment of adult liver fluke. GARDAL 10% may be effectively positioned to strategically treat adult liver fluke in cattle. Preventing and killing of adult liver fluke will prevent the shedding of fluke eggs and so less contamination of the pastures. The liver is essential for normal growth and production of the animal. Additional loss in liver sales will also be affected when livers are rejected at abattoirs. Intervet South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Reg. No. 1991/006580/07 20 Spartan Road, Spartan, 1619, RSA Private Bag X2026, Isando, 1600, RSA Tel: +27 (0) , Fax: +27 (0) , Sales Fax: +27 (0)