Comparison of Deworming Strategies in Weaned Calves During Preconditioning

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of gastrointestinal nematode control on the health and growth performance of weaned calves grazing pastures in Western Kentucky. Control of gastrointestinal nematodes is an important management aspect of all beef production systems. Frequently a cow-calf operation will retain weaned calves through a preconditioning period to add additional value prior to sale to backgrounding/stockering operations. Left uncontrolled, parasites disrupt the welfare and performance of these young calves resulting in reduced profitability for the cow-calf operation. To determine the influence of deworming strategies in weaned calves, calves were assigned to one of three treatment groups receiving Valcor on Day 0 (T01), Cydectin on Day 0 (T02), or Negative control (T03 unbalanced). This study was being conducted at the Murray State University beef unit with typical parasite-endemic pastures. The health and growth performance of calves administered a broad-spectrum anthelmintic (Valcor®; doramectin + levamisole) on Day 0 were compared with calves receiving Cydectin (moxidectin) on Day 0.