Winter dosing – a guide from the Future Beef team
Like it or loathe it, the winter housing period is fast approaching and to prepare beef farmers and their livestock for the upcoming winter, the Teagasc Future Beef team has published a new technical note focusing on a Winter Health Strategy.
An expensive time of year on farm, through housing and supplementary feed costs, the Future Beef guide examines ways farmers can maximise animal performance, focusing on the central role health plays and practices to reduce the impact of parasites such as stomach worms, lungworms and liver fluke.
Key recommendations from the Future Beef team include:
- Lungworm dosing should be completed at least four weeks before housing, allowing lungs to recover before cattle enter dusty sheds.
- Persistent wormers such as ivermectin, doramectin (Dectomax) and moxidectin (Cydectin) can provide extended cover, though farmers must check product labels carefully.
- Stomach worms can be treated pre housing or at housing, but resistance is a growing issue on Irish farms. Teagasc research shows ivermectin resistance on 100% of farms tested, with reduced efficacy also recorded in white and yellow drenches. Farmers should rotate wormer classes and confirm effectiveness with faecal egg counts (FECs).
- Liver fluke control is important as it remains widespread across Ireland, but it can be field or farm specific. Product choice depends on the stage of the parasite and housing duration, from early, immature to adult fluke. Farmers should also monitor withdrawal dates if finishing cattle.
- Viruses such as IBR, RSV and Pi3, along with external parasites like lice and mange, can further impact winter performance. Vaccination at least one month before housing and correct use of pour-ons or injectables are key.
For more on the above, view the Future Beef’s Winter Health Strategy (PDF) here.
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