Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Keeping internal parasites at bay as a cattle farmer is a serious business. Whether the farmer has one cow or a herd, there will always be the threat of a parasite epidemic that causes global panic. Depending on the region where you are will predict which parasite is most likely to invade your herd.
The good news is, there are now a wide variety of products that come in many forms to combat these nasty take-overs. Before you can treat the issue, you need to have an understanding of what parasites are active where you live. Choosing the best pour-on cattle wormer for your particular situation can be a challenge.
See Also:
- The 5 Best Cattle Wormer To Kill Internal Parasites: Guide And Review
- Best Cattle Prod To Keep Your Herd Organized. Are They Safe? Guide and Review
- Best Feed For Beef Cattle For Adequate Dietary Needs Guide and Review
Factors that you need to consider are cost, labor, time, and effectiveness. The key to being effective is making sure your cattle get the required medication and the right dose for their weight. Most vets prefer injectables for getting rid of parasites, but not every situation is that simple.
The primary argument vets use is with injectables; you are guaranteeing the cow gets the right dosage it needs as well as the right medication. If your livestock does not get the necessary dosage, the parasites will continue to develop and be resistant down the road.
Feed Your Cattle and Not Parasites
Putting a plan together for the protection against parasites with your cattle herd should be on the top of every cattle farmer’s list. Worming should be before branding and the time for spring turnout. Parasites have their own little way of leaving a path of destruction on every herd no matter how many cows you have.
Controlling parasites takes education, time, and determination. The following are a few tips to help the cattle farmer get the parasite problem under control and keeping it that way.
Read and understand every label
If your goal is to achieve the most significant possible results from the products you buy for deworming, it is crucial that you read the labels thoroughly. There will always be indicators you must follow for each treatment to be successful.
When the time comes around for a deworming session, it is vital that you read every label each time to guarantee you have the right product as well as the correct dosage. For proper treatment, reducing the risk of serious side effects while not creating resistance should be your goal.
As mentioned earlier, if you fail to supply the full dosage, it can inhibit your cattle from reaching its potential. It also gives the parasites the chance to become resistant to the meds. You need always to read the directions where calves are concerned. Each label should provide the details of what the dosage is regarding the cow’s weight.
When young calves are not fighting parasites, they are healthier and put most of their energy toward growth. Many dewormers are safe for adult cows but not young calves. Most dewormers are not safe for cows under three months of age.
Also, calves raised on a thorough pasture-rotation system require constant monitoring. While it is crucial that you protect your young cows from parasites, you must ensure the proper medication and dosage is available.
Choosing Injectable or Pour-on Dewormers
Depending on geographic location, choosing an injectable or pour-on product can differ because of weather conditions. Parasites are different in various regions. Therefore, not every treatment will be the same. Just like with any other chemical or procedure, what one favors the other dislikes.
The same goes with the topic of which procedure do farmers prefer when deworming their cattle. For injections, most vets prefer to use Dectomax one percent during the spring season and the Dectomax pour-on type in the fall.
Choosing between the two really boils down to what parasite is affecting your herd. For parasite problems, you will need a different type of medication. Many farmers give all their support to the medicine, Valbazen or pour-on Dectomax in early spring, then the injectable during the fall season.
Medications are not a “one-size-fits-all” scenario. What works to kill intestinal worms is not the same as what you want to use for lice. For internal parasites, you may need an injectable over a pour-on treatment.
*Helpful Tip*
Ridding your cattle of internal parasites should be at the top of your list. The reasons why are due to their slow-down growth, feed efficiency, and feed intake both being affected.
The following information is to bring the top-selling cattle pour-on wormers to the front line. Each product made this list due to consumer evaluations after using the item. Please note that the order of these products does not mean one is better than the other.
We are an honest and unbiased group that provides consumers with the best products available. Here are the top five.
Durvet Ivermectin Pour-On Dewormer 250mL
This product, Durvet Ivermectin Pour-On Dewormer treatment is for cows that need treatment for:
- Gastrointestinal Roundworms
- Sarcoptic Mange Mites
- Grub Flies
- Biting and sucking Lice.
The pour-on medication is the same as Pioneer Products and is FDA approved. It has a steady and proven performance score which is why it has a high rating with consumers. If you need fast and effective control of a broad spectrum and costly external and internal parasites, this product is perfect.
It is a low-volume solution per application. This particular item comes in 250 millimeters. You will have the option here to choose how many bottles (2,3,4, or 5) you wish to buy. Be sure to know without a doubt what parasite you are battling.
Buy from Amazon
DavesPestDefense Cydectin Pour-on Wormer for Cattle – 250 ML
Second, on the list is this DavesPestDefense Cydentin Pour-On Wormer. When applying this medication, for every 1.3 pounds all you need to use is around one Ml. The ingredients that make this a five-star product reduces the damage caused by external and internal parasites.
You will notice this medication has a purple dye property that lets you know which cattle you’ve treated and those that remain. The Cydectin is non-flammable and has a zero milk withhold as well as a zero slaughter withdrawal.
You can even use this item on lactating dairy. This particular item is one liter and ready for use. Get more details here as well as get yours ordered today.
Buy from Amazon
Durvet Prohibit Soluble Drench Powder
Next in line is a multi-purpose product. Meaning, it can be an oral or drenched solution. There is a short withdrawal time and is effective on nine of the major worm parasite types. With each package, you get 52 grams of medication.
The strength of this item makes it so that you only need to use a low-volume dose on cattle. It is reliable and cost-effective. Also, with each packet, you get the right amount of Levamisole Hydrochloride with a short withdrawal time. Go here to learn more about this item which is an Amazon Choice product that is well-targeted and priced for every budget.
Buy from Amazon
Eprinex Ivomec Pour-On
This Eprinex Ivomec Pour-On Dewormer for cattle is simple and safe for your cows. The bottle is 1 Lt which is cost-effective and trusted. Although it is for cattle, sheep farmers use it for the same purpose. Cattle farmers use this pour-on medication for both internal and external parasites.
It too has a zero-slaughter withdrawal and zero milk discard. Farmers all over give this item a 4.4 out of five stars due to its effectiveness as well as the cost being so affordable. If you are interested in ordering this item, you can do so here.
Buy from Amazon
Durvet Inc Ivermectin Pour-On for Cattle 50 Ml
Last on the list is the Bimeda, Inc. generic Ivermectin Pour-on For Cattle. The product for cattle is powerful and cost-effective. Each dose has 5 mg of Ivermectin and is ideal for treating the following:
- Lungworms
- Grubs
- Lice
- Sarcoptic Mange Mites
- Gastrointestinal Roundworms
- Horn Flies
If you are in need of a product that will not break the bank, here is the right one for you. As with all medications, be sure you know what you are treating before you choose a chemical for your cattle.
Buy from Amazon
There are the top five best sellers available on Amazon. Each product has at least a 4-star rating from consumers such as yourself. You can trust farmers that have a history with these products so be sure to read the reviews.
Storing and Handling Products Carefully
Chemicals such as these are powerful and need proper storage away from children. Storing and handling each need to be your top priority. The way you choose to store and handle the products greatly influences efficacy.
Most all products list the exact temperature ranges for storage. That information is usually easy to find on the label of the packaging. It is imperative that you read that label closely and abide by the manufacturer’s suggestions. You want to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck when treating your cattle.
The rules should apply to all medications and not just this type. Many times consumers fail to read the instructions but see no significant change. That can easily happen if you are not abiding by the instructions such as what temperature to store the product.
Always Apply Proper Application Techniques
When you use pour-on products, it is vital that you follow the instructions for proper application techniques. For best results, it is critical that you always apply the medication to clean animals. The reason why is that the dirt will absorb the chemical and not the hide.
Also, the cattle’s everyday behavior such as licking and rubbing also will reduce the effectiveness of a chemical. There are times when having something that works conveniently comes with drawbacks. Circumstances out of your control prevent the medicine to work to its fullest potential.
Knowing how to use your pour-on cattle wormer is incredibly important. If you are unsure what to do, ask your Vet. Never attempt to do a treatment if you have no clue what to use.
*Helpful Tip*
Manure and dirt on the cows will reduce the amount of the product absorbed in the hide of the cow. That is why it is very crucial you clean the cows off first
Weather elements, such as sleet, snow, and rain will often wash the medicine off of the cattle if you fail to give enough absorption time. If you know the weather is going to be off, put deworming your cattle off until the weather permits.
When you are using a pour-on dewormer, pour the entire dose down the backline of your cattle. For best result, never pour the full treatment solely onto one spot.
Deworm Your Livestock Based on Your Geographic Location
Deworming schedules will vary based on your geographic location. However, the recommendation is that you deworm at the first “green-up” welcoming spring and the turnout in autumn. Cattle Farmers should collaborate with their Vet for a thorough deworming program best suited for their herd.
The type of parasite and its life cycle is what will determine the type, and the time the treatment plan should begin. If you live in humid climates, such as parts of the Midwest and the Southeast, there will be higher moisture favored by most parasites.
The dry regions in the Southwest establish a less welcoming environment. In the dry areas, farmers can often get by with annual treatments. However, on the other side, for regions with more moisture, you can plan at least two procedures per year.
FAQs:
Q: Is it safe to use these pour-on treatments on pregnant cattle?
A: Most have zero percent withdrawal time for your lactating cattle. Treating your cattle for parasites should never put your cow’s milk at risk. Read your labels carefully to determine the chemical you use is safe for heifers, cows, and calves of all ages. However, never use these type of medicines on calves under three months old.
Q: Can I mix treatment plans?
A: Actually, professionals suggest that you swap medicines so that the parasites do not become immune to one type of drug. However, you must alternate the time of the treatment instead of using a pour-on product and an injection together.
Conclusion
Choosing to use a pour-on Dewormer rather than an injectable has its pros and cons. The cost as well as the workforce it takes to inject an entire herd of cattle can be extremely expensive. Before you order a product, make sure you know without a doubt what parasite you are treating. Buying the wrong type is basically a waste of money and time.
Do you have experience with deworming cattle? If so, did you use a pour-on, injectable, or both? Our team here at MorningHomestead.com wants to hear your comments. Please leave us a message in the comment section below and let’s chat.
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