DULUTH, Ga. — Today’s progressive cattle producer has a strong grasp of factors that can cut into efficiency and profits in their operation and the production of their cattle. Still, many underestimate or ignore the effects of parasites on cattle productivity and health. One way to add dollars to ranching operations is to consider treating for parasites this spring with LONGRANGE.
LONGRANGE, from Merial, is the first extended-release injectable cattle dewormer that provides cattle producers season-long persistent parasite control for 100 to 150 days in a single dose, dependent on parasite species.1
Joe Dedrickson, DVM, Ph.D., Merial Veterinary Professional Services, says it is important to consider timing when developing a deworming protocol. “In parasite control, timing is everything,” Dedrickson says. “Controlling parasites at spring turnout is an important cost-effective way to boost calf weaning weights and gain reproductive efficiencies in cow herds. When used at turnout, LONGRANGE helps protects against infective larvae in the pasture longer than any other product currently on the market.”1-4
LONGRANGE is able to provide extended protection all season long as a result of its unique THERAPHASE™ Technology, a formulation that allows the dewormer to go to work immediately and continue to work up to 100 to 150 days, dependent on species.5 To get the same level of control with conventional products, three or more applications are needed, each one timed to start working before the last one wears off.6,7
“In the southern United States, the first deworming should ideally take place in the spring to help protect cattle from infective larvae on pastures and help reduce pasture parasite loads,”8 says Dr. Dedrickson. “To help manage parasite loads on the pasture, it is important for cattle producers to understand the parasite life cycle when developing a deworming strategy.”
It takes about 100 days of continuous parasite control to break the parasite life cycle and begin to reduce the parasite burden on the pasture.6,7
The parasite protection LONGRANGE provides lasts long enough to help break the parasite life cycle and reduce parasite burdens on the pasture.6,7
“The resulting benefit of breaking the parasite life cycle is better-performing cattle throughout the grazing season and pastures with lower parasite loads,” Dedrickson says. “Strategically dewormed beef cattle have been shown to produce more milk, have improved feed efficiency, improved reproductive efficiency, produce higher carcass quality and have a stronger immune system to fight off other diseases.”
Because every producer’s situation is unique, Dedrickson recommends consulting with a veterinarian when developing a deworming strategy, and suggests keeping the following in mind: “The time of year when grazing season begins, age and category of the animals, type of operation and grazing history of the pasture are all considerations to discuss.”
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not treat within 48 days of slaughter. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows, or in veal calves. Post-injection site damage (e.g., granulomas, necrosis) can occur. These reactions have disappeared without treatment.
1 Dependent upon parasite species, as referenced in FOI summary and LONGRANGE product label.
2 CYDECTIN Injectable product label.
3 DECTOMAX Injectable product label.
4 SAFE-GUARD product label.
5 LONGRANGE product label.
6 Morley FH, Donald AD. Farm management and systems of helminth control. Vet Parasitol. 1980;6:105-134.
7 Brunsdon RV. Principles of helminth control. Vet Parasitol. 1980;6:185-215.
8 Miller J. Strategic Deworming. Louisiana State University. Department of Epidemiology. Available at: http://www.animal.ufl.edu/extension/beef/shortcourse/1991/Miller.PDF. Accessed January 15, 2012.