Purge Your Pastures - Putting The Smackdown On Profit-Sucking Parasites

By Dr. Justin Talley,
Extension Livestock Entomologist

For cattle producers, parasites are a continual problem in any sector, be it cow/calf or stockers says extension Livestock Entomologist Dr. Justin Talley. Parasite control is something producers need to stay ahead of he told Farm Director Ron Hays, suggesting several options to help manage parasites in your herd.

When looking at the most common parasites in cattle herds, Dr. Talley says they are generally seen outside of the animal in the pasture. In developing a strategic program, Talley says you want to minimize pasture contaminations.

“One way to do that is to try to keep animals off that pasture at least for 90 days,” Talley said adding two remedies to perform during that safe period. “Try to do something that minimizes the parasite burden like burning or making sure you de-worm any animals before you put them in that pasture.”

Dr. Talley says it is important to understand that parasites will and do hurt the profitability and productivity of your cattle.