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Running cattle through the chute and applying a parasiticide doesn’t guarantee effective deworming. There is more to controlling parasites than meets the eye, especially when it comes to selecting a pour-on dewormer.

“A large misconception is that all pour-ons are the same,” said David Shirbroun, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim. “They’re definitely not, and for a variety of reasons.”

Choosing the right products and using them effectively can make the difference in herd health, animal productivity, parasite resistance and your bottom line.

Choosing the right product

“I always encourage producers to choose a product with proven stability in the field,” stated Dr. Shirbroun. “Finding a product with research and data to show the effectiveness is another good characteristic.”

Taking time to research products and see what they have to offer can pay off. Dr. Shirbroun says the following characteristics are important to check on pour-on labels:

Ensure the pour-on is proven against a broad spectrum of parasite species and stages. The parasites you want to target need to be listed on the label.

Look for a satisfaction guarantee. Companies that offer a product satisfaction guarantee trust their product and offer that same confidence to customers.

“Veterinarians are always aware of what kind of challenges might be in your region as far as the certain types of parasites there,” said Dr. Shirbroun. “Talking with them before a product purchase can help make sure it’s a good investment. The quality of pour-on products varies.”

Branded vs. generic pour-ons

When it comes to pour-on dewormers, Dr. Shirbroun says you get what you pay for. “The companies that made pioneer products invested in studies and data collection in order to prove the efficacy of their particular drug,” he explained. “To this day, there is a lot of data that stands behind those branded products.”

When patents on branded products timed out, generics naturally entered the scene. Although they are said to be bioequivalent, generics do not have to undergo the same efficacy studies as branded, pioneer products during the approval process.

“One of the biggest differences between pioneer products and generics is the larger team standing behind the product,” shared Dr. Shirbroun. “Some branded products have many salespeople and professional services veterinarians who are readily available to stand behind their product.”

Get the most out of your pour-on with correct application and label adherence

“Pour-ons need to be applied from the withers clear to the tailhead in a thin line along the midline of the back,” said Dr. Shirbroun. Selecting a pour-on with a quality applicator that releases product in a controlled stream will make proper application easier.

Mis-dosing animals can be a challenge producers are unaware of. “Many people think their animals are lighter than they actually are,” shared Dr. Shirbroun. “If we can weigh our animals, we know we’re more likely to dose them appropriately.”

Dr. Shirbroun added that improper product application and underdosing issues can open the door to parasite resistance. Taking the extra time to ensure a pour-on is spread across the topline and dosed correctly for each animal will lower the risk of resistance and maintain the efficacy of dewormers.

Diagnostics test program efficacy

A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is one of the best tools available to check the efficacy of a deworming program, whether the product is oral, pour-on or injectable.

The test involves two manure samples from the same animal, one before treatment and one after. Each product will have a different wait time between treatment application and timing of when the second sample should be taken. FECRT tests should be run by reputable laboratories, and working with your herd veterinarian is a great way to ensure this. They will know the ins and outs of the test, and can provide guidance on where to send the samples for analysis.

“When we compare the first test to the second test, post treatment, we want to have 95% efficacy,” said Dr. Shirbroun. “If we aren’t meeting that standard, it might be a good time to review protocol, or even look at switching to a different product.”

Reviewing deworming protocols with your veterinarian at least once a year is an essential step in maintaining herd health and productivity.

“If we can deworm cattle appropriately, it is one of the best returns on investment we can offer our animals,” concluded Dr. Shirbroun. “Because there are so many pour-on options out there, working with your veterinarian and doing research will help find which product will perform the best for your herd.”

About Boehringer Ingelheim — Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.bi-animalhealth.com.

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