The problem

Beef Cattle producers are faced with several obstacles throughout the year in their beef cattle operations that can potentially hinder the health and overall performance of their herd. One of those many obstacles can be the presence of numerous types of worms in the cattle's system. Deworming cattle is a common practice recommended for the control of worms but is not always accomplished by the producer or a producer gets in a habit and uses the same dewormer year in and year out. Utilizing the same dewormer active ingredient over and over can allow the worms to build up resistance to that particular active ingredient making it harder to control the issue. A good rotation is necessary.

The educational program response

As a result there is a possibility of resistance to some dewormers so a Fecal Egg County Study is being conducted across the state to help determine if this is a possibility. The study is completed at the same operation in the spring as well as in the fall by collecting a fecal sample from 20 head of cattle on the day that the wormer was applied and again 14 days later. Once these samples are collected they are submitted to the lab and each producer receives a detailed report of how many fecal eggs were in the sample as well as what type of worm(s) they are dealing with. When Day 0 and Day 14 results are compared we can see if the worms were reduced or not, indicating the dewormer is working or not.

The participants/target audience

Beef Cattle Producers in Harrison County and across the state

Other partners (if applicable)

Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Kentucky Cattleman's Association, MERCK

Program impact or participant response.

In Harrison County we have 3 beef operations that are participating in the study which will help them determine if their deworming program is effective or if they may need to utilize a different product. This will help the farmer make more sound management decisions as well as have a healthier herd which will in turn positively affect their bottom line.