Cattle parasites come in varying shapes and sizes: short, skinny, long, brown or white. Unfortunately, most go undetected until symptoms appear. As winter temperatures approach, cattle producers should prioritize parasite control.
Due to environmental conditions and management practices, cattle are susceptible to certain parasites in winter. As temperatures decrease and cattle get hairy and bunch up, they become prime real estate for parasites to find a winter home.
At BioZyme®, makers of VitaFerm® cattle vitamin and mineral supplements, we want to ensure you can keep your herd healthy. Herd health starts with good nutrition and management practices. However, before you can keep your herd healthy, you must know what to protect against.
Let’s explore common cattle parasites, symptoms, prevention and treatment protocols.
Common Cattle Parasites in Winter
Lice
Lice are the most common external cattle parasite that attacks in the winter. The cattle’s thick winter coats provide a great environment for lice to thrive. There are two primary types of lice: biting and sucking.
Biting Lice
Biting lice have a broad head and a powerful mouth. They use this small but mighty mouth to chew on the crusty surface and flaky area of the skin.
Sucking Lice
Unlike biting lice, which come in one species, there are five types of sucking lice. Each of the five species has a long nose with a sharp end that they use to pierce the skin and suck blood directly from the vein.
Symptoms
- Itching/rubbing
- Hair loss
- Rough coat
- Decreased weight gain
Mites (Mange)
Mites are also common in late winter and early spring for many of the same reasons as lice. The close contact of confined or bunched cattle and reduced UV exposure are prime real estate for mites, known to cause mange.
There are two primary types of mites in cattle: sarcoptic and psoroptic mange. Miniscual mites cause both types of mange. Let’s explore the similarities and differences.
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptes scabiei is a burrowing mite that makes its home in the skin. The most common infestation areas are the inner thigh, under the neck and brisket and around the base of the tail.
Psoroptic Mange
The Psoroptes bovis is another microscopic cattle parasite on the skin’s surface. Psoroptic mites are initially found on the point of the shoulders but can quickly spread.
Symptoms
- Severe itching
- Crusty skin lesions
- Hair loss.
Internal Cattle Parasites
Internal cattle parasites live inside cattle and can cause various health issues, including reduced weight gain, poor milk production and compromised immune function. It is important to control parasites at various life stages. For instance, parasite control is vital in pregnant females to avoid stress and ensure healthy calves. Control parasites in young calves to prevent setbacks in growth and performance.
Let’s explore the most common internal parasites that producers should be aware of during the winter.
Roundworms
Roundworms primarily live in the gut, including the stomach and intestine, with one exception—lungworms. They challenge cattle in several ways. They damage the lining of the digestive tract, reduce forage or feed intake, and stimulate the body’s excessive release of chemicals to destroy the parasites.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Reduced milk production
- Decreased efficiency
Coccidia
Coccidia is a protozoa parasite that causes coccidiosis and is especially problematic in young cattle in crowded housing. The larvae of the parasites can survive inside animals or pastures. During the cold, the cattle are usually crowded, increasing the transmission risk.
Symptoms
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Reduced feed efficiency.
Preventing Cattle Parasites
Proactive prevention reduces parasite loads and helps maintain cattle health and productivity throughout the winter. Here are 8 prevention tips that our VitaFerm staff recommends.
1. Deworming
Rotate dewormers to prevent resistance. Use targeted deworming based on fecal egg count or risk assessment. If that method doesn’t work, it is best to deworm cows in the summer and treat calves when they are around 3 months old.
2. Consult your Veterinarian
Work with your veterinarian to develop a year-round parasite control program tailored to your herd and local conditions. Different geographies have different parasites that could require different prevention protocols.
3. Lice & Mite Treatment
Apply topical or injectable parasite treatments for external cattle parasites like lice and mites. Treat all animals in a herd, as parasites spread easily. Retreat if necessary to target hatching eggs.
4. Sanitation & Hygiene
Clean and disinfect barns, pens and feeding areas regularly. Provide dry, clean bedding. Remove manure frequently to reduce coccidia and other parasite contamination. Finally, ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity, which can benefit parasites.
5. Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowded spaces increase stress and the spread of parasites. Allow adequate space for all animals, especially in enclosed spaces during the winter.
6. Monitor & Rotate Pastures
Even in winter, rotating pastures or limiting grazing can help reduce exposure to worm larvae in contaminated areas. If the resources allow, it is always advisable to rotate pastures.
7. Quarantine New Animals
Isolate and treat new cattle before introducing them to the herd to prevent bringing in parasites. Even if coming from a reputable producer, it is wise to deworm and isolate new cattle for some time to prevent new parasites in your herd
8. Proper Nutrition
Ensure cattle have adequate feed, minerals and vitamins to maintain a strong immune system. Zinc, selenium and vitamin A are essential. A quality mineral program from VitaFerm can help ensure your cattle get the required nutrients.
More About VitaFerm
VitaFerm supplements can make a difference. VitaFerm is a line of nutritional supplements for beef cattle that maximize energy and forage utilization for successful production.
Our products are fueled by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic designed to enhance digestibility. There is a VitaFerm mineral for every stage of production.
Get Your VitaFerm Today
Providing the proper vitamins and minerals for cows is an integral part of preventing cattle parasites. It’s also an essential part of keeping your herd healthy in the winter and year-round.
At BioZyme, we give you options within the VitaFerm line. Not sure what to feed cows when it comes to the VitaFerm line? Check out our Concept•Aid Product Navigator.
Get your VitaFerm products from an authorized BioZyme dealer today. Our extensive dealer network is here to help you meet mineral needs.
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