“There is no reason to feed the cow, calf and the parasites,” says Gary Sides, Ph.D., Cattle Nutritionist, Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Operations. “If you de-worm, you’re making sure you’re feeding the growing animal and not the parasites. And, if cattle have been grazing on grass, they almost certainly have parasites.”

When cattle are infected with parasites, it can suppress their appetites, limiting the intake and absorption of nutrients.  Plus, infections can mean cattle can’t fight off other diseases as easily.

What happens with I don’t de-worm my cattle?

• loss in weight gains.
• poor feed conversion
• increased disease due to parasites
• less income for the producer

For cows, it’s important to maximize the gains made while on pasture and keep them in good body condition through winter. 
For calves, every de-worming offers the opportunity for significant improvement in productivity.

It is recommended producers de-worm cattle in the fall to help protect against Ostertagia ostertagi — or the brown stomach worm, and the most damaging internal parasite — and other parasites that can potentially rob cattle of performance and producers of profits.  However if you didn’t get it done in the fall it is highly recommended that you make sure your cattle are de-wormed in December.

What about my other Horses and Other Livestock?

All animals can have parasites during the winter months.  Some have been told that freezing temperatures freeze the parasites.  While this is true it is not always the case.  Parasites already inside your animals live and thrive during the winter making it harder on your animals to withstand the stress of winter.  

While egg counts in horses fecal samples are usually less in the winter months, about 30% of the time there is evidence of eggs.  

No matter what species you have, if you missed the fall worming, make sure it is taken care of in December.

My dog needs worming too?

A dog with worms are unhappy and unhealthy.  During the winter many dogs will eat frozen feces (dog, deer, cat, rabbit, etc.). … To keep your pet and your family safe from parasites, make sure you are up to day with de-worming. 

Source:  AQHA, Zoetis