Albencare Liver Fluke Treatment Pre-Calving
1. Fluke dosing for post-calving performance
While most studies agree that elevated liver fluke antibody levels in bulk-milk tank samples are associated with decreased milk yields, a reduction in milk solids has also been reported on some farms. Furthermore, herds with higher bulk milk antibody levels tend to have a longer calving interval, reflecting the potentially negative effects of liver fluke infections on conception and pregnancy rates. Liver fluke treatment is now an investment for freshly calved cows to return to heat earlier.
2. Fluke dosing for Immunity
In addition to negatively affecting production, liver fluke has been identified as an immunosuppressive agent. More specifically, fluke is thought to increase susceptibility to certain bacterial infections such as Salmonellosis, and may inhibit the inflammatory response to a TB test. The immunosuppressive effect on liver fluke infestation in cows should not be underestimated. It can affect appetite and intake, with reductions of up to 12% in DMI reported. This can increase the risk of ketosis, or negative energy balance at calving, reducing the immunity of the cow and in turn reducing the immunity of the calf.
3. When to dose for liver fluke?
Pre-calving treatment of all cows with Albencare for liver fluke is an additional boost for the calving season. The selenium aids the immune system of both the cow and calf. At this time of year, animals have been housed for three to four months and there should only be adult fluke present in the cattle. Treatment now will kill adult flukes in the bile ducts and prevent those laying eggs that will contaminate pasture. The fluke treatment, together with selenium will elevate the cows pre-calving immune system, providing for less post-calving problems and a calf with a stronger immune system.
This dose is in addition to the routine autumn/winter dosing of cattle. Contact Nutribio for more information.