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Title: GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES OF CATTLE IN THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.: RESULTS OF A PRODUCER SURVEY

Author
item GASBARRE, LOUIS
item STOUT, WILLIAM - USDA ARS UNIV PARK PA
item LEIGHTON, ELDIN - CBAR ASSOC VA

Submitted to: Veterinary Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2001
Publication Date: 10/31/2001
Citation: Gasbarre, L.C., Stout, W.L., Leighton, E.A. 2001. Gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in the northeastern U.S.: results of a producer survey. Veterinary Parasitology. 101(1):26-44.

Interpretive Summary: A questionnaire covering management practices and producer perception of the effects of worms on cattle was sent to dairy and beef producers in the Northeastern US. The mailing list was taken from membership in grazing groups and attendance at grazing events. A final total of 474 responses were used. These responses covered 14 states, and were broken into 5 groups: New England (NE), Vermont (VT), New York (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), and South and West (S and W) of PA. Two-thirds of the responses were from dairy producers. The average number of animals for the farms was about 100 animals. The average area used for grazing was 70 acres, and about two- thirds of the responses rotated the animals over a number of defined areas. About 1/2 of rotational grazers had practiced this form of grazing for more than 5 years. Most cows were rotated daily. The grazing season increased by about 2 months ( 5.25 - 7.27) as one moved from NE to S and W of PA. Parasite control practices varied greatly. Most producers used wormers 1 to 2 times per year, but 10-30% of responses said they did not deworm their cattle. The most common time to deworm was in the spring, followed by the fall. Between 10-20% of repondents reported deworming as a response to damage by the parasites. The use of wormers increased as the location moved from NE to S and W, and is most likely the result of the increased length of the grazing season. Producers estimated a cost of the parasite to be between $5 and $20 per animal per year.

Technical Abstract: A questionnaire on management practices and effects of gastrointestinal nematode infections was sent cattle producers in the Northeastern US. A total of 474 covering 14 states, were broken into 5 groups: New England (NE), Vermont (VT), New York (NY), Pennsylvania (PA), and South and West (S and W) of PA. The average number of animals for the farms was 50 cows, 27 heifers, and 20 calves. The average acreage used for grazing was 70 acres, and about two_thirds of the responses used rotational grazing for at least the cows. About 1/2 of the rotational grazers had been practicing rotational grazing for more than 5 years. Most cows were rotated daily rotation, but the rotational interval for other age groups was longer. There was a difference of about 2 months ( 5.25 - 7.27) in the length of the grazing season as one moved from NE to S and W of PA. Parasite control practices varied greatly by location and animal class. Most producers used anthelmintics 1 to 2 times per year, but 10-30% of responses said they did not deworm their cattle. The most common time to deworm was in the spring, and the second most common time was the fall. Between 10_20% of repondents reported deworming as a response to decreased productivity or body condition. The use of anthelmintics and producer perception of the losses caused by the parasites increased as the location moved from NE to S and W of PA, and were most likely caused by the increased length of the grazing season. Producers estimated the parasites to cost between $5 and $20 per animal per year.