By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension are providing guidance on managing gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats using forage-based strategies.
“Grazing systems, while offering several potential benefits, pose significant challenges for gastrointestinal parasite control in sheep and goats,” said David Brown, MU Extension small-ruminant specialist. “While effective dewormers can provide short-term relief, repeated and improper use has led to parasite resistance, resulting in the partial or complete failure of dewormers.”
Brown explains that while sheep and goats naturally carry some internal parasites and complete elimination isn't possible, the focus should be on maintaining manageable levels. Brown stresses that "parasitic loads can be minimized through proper grazing management and by providing high-quality forages," as good nutrition boosts the animals' natural defenses.
The new guide covers crucial topics such as larvae survival in pastures, the benefits of condensed tannin-rich forages, multispecies grazing, rotational grazing techniques, and the role of dung beetles.
“Effective parasite control in sheep and goats requires an integrated approach alongside targeted deworming,” said Mohan Acharya, state extension small-ruminant specialist at Lincoln University and a co-author of the new guide.
The comprehensive guide, titled “Grazing Management for Parasite Control in Small Ruminants,” is available for free online.
Photo Credit: pexels-pavel-bondarenko
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Goats & Sheep