by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, beef extension veterinarian
Internal nematodes (or worms) have been and continue to be a major drain on beef cattle health and economic returns in the beef industry. Internal nematodes impact cattle performance in several different ways. The largest impact is the decrease in voluntary feed intake which is a physiological response due to changes in the abomasum, followed by decreased absorption and digestion of critical nutrients Immune function can also be compromised by the constant stimulation of parasitic infections. Economic losses of internal parasitism to the livestock industry have been estimated at over $3 billion annually. These losses are felt at the Cow/calf, stocker, and feedlot sectors of the industry. Continue reading “Understanding Internal Parasites in Beef Cattle”
