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FECERT Management Survey

Applied Research

David Coffey
ANR Agent
University of Kentucky
McKee

Abstract

Abstract

Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing concern in beef cattle production and threatens the long-term effectiveness of parasite control strategies. Understanding how producers currently manage internal parasites is important for identifying management practices that may contribute to resistance development. The objective of this project was to evaluate parasite management practices on participating beef farms and provide context for fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) results by examining the management systems under which samples were collected. A management survey was distributed to participating producers to gather information on deworming practices, product selection, routes of administration, dosage determination, and prior use of fecal diagnostics. Results indicated that Eprinex was the most frequently used deworming product (26.1%), while pour-on formulations were the most common route of administration (76.8%). The majority of producers (75.8%) reported determining dosage by visually estimating animal weight rather than using scales. Additionally, 96.9% of operations had never previously submitted fecal samples for parasite testing, and 81.2% of samples submitted for this study came from mature cow or bull classes. Among producers who estimated weight for dosage, 21.5% also reported not rotating deworming products. These findings highlight several management practices that may contribute to reduced treatment effectiveness and potential development of anthelmintic resistance. The survey results provide valuable context for interpreting fecal egg count data and will assist Kentucky Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agents in developing educational programs and recommendations to support sustainable parasite control and improve awareness of anthelmintic resistance within the beef industry.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: David Coffey, Jeffery Lehmkuhler
  1. Coffey, D. ANR Agent, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 40447-0188
  2. Lehmkuhler, J. Beef Specialist, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, 40502