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Beef Producers Should Maintain Parasite Programs
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 07:54 AM
An Iowa State University study concluded that parasite control is the most economically important practice in beef production. Therefore, it is critical that beef producers not reduce their parasite control programs during difficult economic times. The study revealed that at the cow/calf level dewormers affect weaning rates and weights more than any other technology a producer can employ.

Cow/calf producers who used parasite control saw an advantage of 23% in weaning rates and 4% in weaning weights. Parasite control was almost six times more important to a cow/calf producer’s breakeven cost than growth-promoting implants - the second-most economically significant choice. Eliminating parasite control practices would negatively affect breakeven selling prices by 34%, which would mean an added cost of 165 dollars per head.

Dr. James Hawkins, Parasitologist and Consultant for Merial Veterinary Services, says - we’ve known for years that parasite control was critical to the profitable cattle producer, but this study is significant because it proves the value of that practice in actual dollars and cents.

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