The problem

With the continual use of a few common ingredients to deworm cattle, immunity by parasites to those active chemical compounds in dewormers is suspected. Parasites can cause serious problems in cattle resulting in poor health and for the animals and economic loss for the farmer.

The educational program response

Eighty to one hundred beef cattle producers will participate in a feces collection where fecal parasite eggs will be counted before and after dewormer use. Two farmers in Meade County have agreed to help with this research trial and allow the ANR agent to collect fecal eggs from 20 cows from 2 herds. The results of this research after a spring and fall collection should show beef producers if resistance to dewormers is real and what strategies should be taken to reduce parasite numbers in their cattle.

The participants/target audience

Target participants are those beef producers that deworm their cattle 2 times a year and are interested in helping with research dealing with cattle internal parasites.

Other partners (if applicable)

This a collaboration between Merch Pharmaceutical, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, ANR agents, and beef producers.

Program impact or participant response.

At the conclusion of the research study, new more effective strategies should be developed to help beef producers control parasites which in turn will result in healthier cattle that are more profitable.