Success StoryParasite Resistance



Parasite Resistance

Author: David Appelman

Planning Unit: Bracken County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Profitable Livestock Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

There is concern within the beef industry that our products we now have available to treat animals for control of internal parasites are becoming less effective.  We are well aware of this issue in small ruminants and the lack of effectiveness of various products.  Two classes of products are now over 30 and 50 years old since they were developed.  

The University of KY Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and specialist from the Beef Department offered producers a chance to participate in research trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the product they are using for parasite control.  The Bracken  County Extension office  worked with 2 herds to collect fecal samples from 20 cows in each herd with both a pre treatment sample and 14 days later with a post treatment sample.  These samples were submitted and tested under the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT).  

Both herds had lower numbers of egg counts following winter dry lot housing on the pre treatment samples.  The post treatment samples did show significant reduction in fecal egg counts in both herds.  This test will be repeated in the fall after the herds have grazed pastures all summer.  This should be a more impactful test as parasite numbers may be higher due to greater exposure of potential parasite numbers.  The overall study of more than 80 herds across the state will give a good indication of the effectiveness of various products used for beef parasite control.  








Stories by David Appelman


Highlighting Area Agriculture

about 3 years ago by David Appelman

With the plans to host the annual meeting of the KY Agricultural County Agents Association virtually... Read More


Seed Savings

about 3 years ago by David Appelman

Left over seed often happens on farms due to many unforeseen circumstances. Planting delays due to w... Read More


Stories by Bracken County CES


Family Garden Bags

Family Garden Bags

about 3 years ago by Molly Jordan

The COVID 19 pandemic has brought many new challenges to families. However, one of the positive outc... Read More


Community Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County

Community Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County

about 3 years ago by Molly Jordan

The impacts of community gardens extend far beyond that of providing fresh vegetables to those invol... Read More