Tackling parasite resistance in western Canadian beef cattle

Nov 29, 2017

Sask. Ministry of Ag tests strategic deworming program

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Livestock specialists are highlighting the practical findings for producers from a strategic deworming program study.

Parasite resistance is a growing concern in Western Canadian beef cattle. The level of absorption of pour-on dewormers in the bloodstream varies. This inconsistency offers reduced protection against parasites in the stomach and intestines, according to yesterday’s Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture article.

Parasites that survive the deworming treatment continue to produce eggs and these offspring have a higher chance of becoming resistant to the compounds they encountered.

Many deworming products also have similar modes of action, which increases the likelihood of parasites developing resistance, according to the article.

Ivermectin dewormers, for example, are becoming less effective on parasitic populations in beef cattle. Between 30 and 60 per cent of herds showed sub-optimal efficacy when producers used this type of product, according to a University of Calgary report.

To gain a better understanding of effective deworming programs, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Merck Animal Health conducted a three-year trial at the Western Beef Development Centre. Integrating Safe-Guard, a deworming product containing fenbendazole, into a strategic deworming plan in the spring on cow-calf pairs reduced the prevalence of parasites, according to Merck Animal Health. (The control group received one treatment of an ivermectin pour-on in the fall.)

Participants “reported a net return of $22.37 per calf in their strategically dewormed groups,” the article said.

Indeed, producers can help ensure that fenbendazole remains effective longer into the future.

“We probably are going to see some level of resistance start to increase over time. But the best way to ensure that you’re going to prolong that period, before we see that high level of resistance starting to show up, is by using strategic deworming methods,” Naomi Paley, regional livestock specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, said to Farms.com today.

“And so that’s by using several different products, and using them at specific times of the year, to try and decrease the amount of parasite eggs that are actually shed onto pasture.” This approach will decrease your reinfection rates as well, she explained.

In North America, parasitic worms cost the cattle industry around $2 billion annually, according to the article. “That (loss) would include loss-feed value, poor gains, immune suppression, and weak and sick calves – all of those sub-clinical production losses,” Paley said.

Previous Farms.com coverage on research into drugs to treat pathogens in cattle can be found here.

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.