Thursday, August 2, 2007
Management of Barber pole Worm in Sheep and Goats in the Southern U.S.
Posted in Dairy Goats
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Management of Barber pole Worm in Sheep and Goats in the Southern U.S.
Joan Burke Research Animal Scientist USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, Booneville, AR Excerpt:
Copper oxide wire particles have been used to markedly reduce infection with H.
contortus in lambs. Copper oxide is very different from copper sulfate, which when fed to sheep can quickly lead to copper toxicity. Copper oxide is given to animals as a bolus (not more than 2 grams) and should not be used more than one time per year per animal for sheep until more is learned on reducing the potential for copper toxicity during its use. Copper oxide is available for cattle as a supplement to alleviate copper deficiency. Copper oxide has been used in sheep for the same purpose. In some areas of the U.S. copper oxide should not be used because of the high levels of copper in the environment. Also, some breeds of sheep may be more susceptible to copper toxicity than others (Texel and dairy breeds). Copper oxide has also been used with mixed results in goats to reduce infection with H. contortus. Copper oxide appears to be effective in reducing FEC for at least a four week period and does not appear to be effective in reducing other intestinal worms. It may not be effective in all animals and it may be too slow to work in severe cases. If producers want to consider this option they must seek professional advice to assess farm conditions, feeding programs, and http://attra.ncat.org/downloads/goat_barber_pole.pdf to read the entire 4 page article.......... |