Each winter, producers battle parasites, such as lice and mange, that can rob their herds of production and profits. These bothersome parasites can make cattle uncomfortable and suppress their appetites.
“Mange and lice are present all year-round and build during the cold weather months,” says Dr. Roger Moon, professor, University of Minnesota, livestock entomology.
Lice are most common on mature cattle in December through March, with peak populations found in March. They are most often found on the neck, back, hips and around the tailhead regions of cattle.(1) There are four species of lice that may affect cattle. They are the chewing lice and three species of sucking lice. Chewing lice cause damage by biting hair and skin, while sucking lice penetrate the skin and suck blood.(1)
Dr. James Hawkins, Associate Director, Merial Veterinary Professional Services, says that just like lice, both Chorioptic (tailhead and udder) and Sarcoptic (head and neck) mange can impact cattle performance. Chorioptic mange appears in cattle as dermatitis, hair loss, and scabbed areas on the hooves, legs and tail head. Populations increase again in the fall, with the most severe problems occurring in winter.(1) Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, can be a more serious problem. These mange mites on cattle burrow deeply into the skin, causing serious lesions on the tail, udder, legs and hooves.(1)
Parasites, such as lice and mange, can reduce weight gain in cattle and lead to poor reproductive performance in infested animals. Studies have shown that calves infected with moderate to heavy lice populations can have a decreased average daily gain of as much as 0.21 pounds. Losses such as this are part of the reason the USDA estimates that U.S. livestock producers lose $125 million a year to cattle lice.(2) Additional losses occur when irritated cattle cause damage by rubbing fences, hay racks and buildings.(3)
Lice and mange also can rob dairies of optimal milk production. “The effect of parasites has been well-documented in independent research,” Dr. Hawkins notes. “Cow comfort is paramount in increasing feed consumption and dry matter intake, and maximizing genetic potential for optimal production and longevity.”
Controlling parasites helps cattle achieve a higher level of production, an improvement in reproductive performance and an increase in overall comfort. Dr. Moon says it’s important for producers to treat the whole herd at the same time. He says that even though only a few individuals may show signs of mange and lice, treating the whole herd can control these parasites. “Be sure to treat every animal and at the proper dosage,” Dr. Moon says.
Dr. Hawkins says it is important that producers protect cattle from both external and internal parasites in winter, before signs appear and production losses occur.
“Hair loss, rubbing and scratching are signs of lice and mange infestations. Once you see the damage, you’ve already suffered a production loss,” he says. “These irritable external parasites burrow into the skin, causing extreme itching and scratching and resulting in reduced appetite and dry matter intake, which decreases production.”
Dr. Hawkins adds that winter is important to stop these costly external parasites before they become established in the herd. Producers should aim for prevention with an aggressive and year-around strategic parasite control program that includes treating cattle introduced to the herd.
“A broad-spectrum endectocide is a great value because it will control mange, lice and internal parasites,” Dr. Hawkins says. “Be sure to use a product that helps control all of these parasites effectively, and has no meat or milk withholding and is approved for use in lactating dairy cattle. Such a product is worth the investment as it helps increase comfort and improve production.”
Source: Merial Animal Health
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