Blog

Worming the Dairy Cow

August 19, 2019
Video
Cattle
By 
Veterinarian Expert

Choosing a wormer for dairy cows

There are three wormer classes for use in cattle; white (BZs), yellow (LVs) and clear (MLs). Each class has its own attributes and limitations when it comes to dairy farms.

White wormers like Albex, Zerofen or Bovex can be used in lactating cows but boast a short milk withdrawal (<1 week). Ideally, they would be used as a dry off dose or a clean-out pre-calving. They have no persistent activity so are a good option at housing/dry off.

Levamisoles like Chanaverm Plus are not to be used in lactating or pregnant dairy cows. Realistically, their only place on a dairy farm is in first-season calves. They have no persistent activity.

Clear wormers can be used but are not all equal. Eprinomectin (e.g. Epromec) is the only active ingredient with zero milk withdrawal and so the go-to during the grazing season. At housing, ivermectin injection or pour on (e.g. Animec) can be used but there is a 60-day milk withdrawal applied here so use must occur right at the beginning of a typical dry period.

Choosing a wormer for dairy cows

There are three wormer classes for use in cattle; white (BZs), yellow (LVs) and clear (MLs). Each class has its own attributes and limitations when it comes to dairy farms.

White wormers like Albex, Zerofen or Bovex can be used in lactating cows but boast a short milk withdrawal (<1 week). Ideally, they would be used as a dry off dose or a clean-out pre-calving. They have no persistent activity so are a good option at housing/dry off.

Levamisoles like Chanaverm Plus are not to be used in lactating or pregnant dairy cows. Realistically, their only place on a dairy farm is in first-season calves. They have no persistent activity.

Clear wormers can be used but are not all equal. Eprinomectin (e.g. Epromec) is the only active ingredient with zero milk withdrawal and so the go-to during the grazing season. At housing, ivermectin injection or pour on (e.g. Animec) can be used but there is a 60-day milk withdrawal applied here so use must occur right at the beginning of a typical dry period.

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