Helminth control in Queensland beef cattle: comparison of part paddock and whole paddock treatment in the wallum of south eastern Queensland.
An increase in the body weight gain of beef calves due to a reduction in the overall larval nematode challenge and a consequent reduction in the host response to infection was observed on fertilised, improved pasturesin the wallum country of south eastern Queensland. Three groups of calves were used. Group 1 consisted of 15 calves and their dams on 20 ha, all receiving monthly injectable tetramisole. Groups 2 and 3 consisted each of 15 calves and dams grazing 40 ha with only the 15 calves of Group 2 receiving monthly tetramisole. The trial concluded after 10 months when the mean body weight gains made by calves of Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 206 kg. 177 kg and 168 kg respectively. These differences proved statistically significant. All heifers from these groups were sold soon after the conclusion of the trial and sale prices of heifers from Group 1 were 11% higher than those from Group 2 and 21% higher than those from Group 3. During this work the predominat parasitic nematode present was cooperia spp H. placei and O. ostertagi were also prevalent species and O.E. radiatum was present in low numbers.
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D012008:Recurrence