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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #365371
Research Project: Sustainable Small Farm and Organic Grass and Forage Production Systems for Livestock and Agroforestry

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: Sustainable approaches to parasite control in ruminant livestock

Author
item Burke, Joan
item MILLER, JAMES - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/16/2019
Publication Date: 2/4/2020
Citation: Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E. 2020. Sustainable approaches to parasite control in ruminant livestock. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 36(2):89-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.007.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.007

Interpretive Summary: It has become increasingly difficult to manage and control parasites in a pasture based ruminant livestock operation due to high prevalence of dewormer resistance. Scientists from USDA Agricultural Research Service and Louisiana State University discuss sustainable tools for parasite control, including use of copper oxide wire particles, which targets primarily barberpole worm (Haemonchus contortus) in small ruminants, secondary plant compounds, the most beneficial being condensed tannins, nematode trapping fungi, which targets worm larvae in feces of most livestock species, and genetics, focusing on parasite resistance of the small ruminants and cattle. This information is important to producers, extension and livestock specialists, veterinarians and scientists aiming to use as many tools as possible to minimize the need for dewormers and maximize animal production.

Technical Abstract: It has become increasingly difficult to manage and control parasites in a pasture based ruminant livestock operation due to high prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. Sustainable tools to employ in this endeavor include use of copper oxide wire particles, which targets primarily Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants, secondary plant compounds, the most beneficial being condensed tannins, again targeting abomasal genera, nematophagous fungi, which targets nematode larvae in feces of most livestock species, and genetics, focusing on parasite resistance of the small ruminants and cattle. Producers should attempt to use as many tools as possible to minimize the need for pharmaceutical interventions and maximize animal production.