Comparison of productivity and economic benefits of strategic anthelmintic use in young beef cattle in Zimbabwe
1992
Duncan, I.M. (Agricura Pvt. Ltd., Harare (Zimbabwe)) | Forbes, A.B. (MSD AGVET, Rahway (USA))
One hundred 6 to 8 months old, recently weaned, Brahman x Hereford steers were divided into four treatment groups: levamisole hydrochloride, 7.5 mg/kg; oxfendazole, 2.5 mg/kg; ivermectin, 200 mcg/kg; and an untreated control group. Treatments were given on day 0 (start of dry season), day 194 (4 weeksafter start of rains), day 354 (start of 2nd dry season), and day 391 (entry into feedlot). Bodyweight was measured on days of treatment and slaughter. Economic evaluations were performed by calculating the value of liveweight gain during the trial period and comparing it to the cost of treatment. Mean total gain during the trial period was significantly greater for the treated groups compared to the control group. In addition, mean liveweight gain for the ivermectin-treated group was significantly (P = 0.05) greater than that for the oxfendazole group. The carcass grade for the ivermectin and oxafendazole groups was significantly higher than the control group; the levamisole group did not differ significantly from any of the other groups. The improved growth performance of the treated cattle was reflected in financial returns at the time of slaughter. All anthelmintics used were cost effective; the ivermectin and levamisole-treated groups yielded significantly higher returns than the control group. Animals treated with ivermectin had a net advantage of more than $10.00 and $12.00 (Zim) per head over oxafendazole and levamisole groups, respectively, and nearly $47.00 (Zim) over the control group. The efficacy and cost benefits of ivermectin were apparent in this trial, and it was determined that the use of ivermectin in parasite control programmes can be recommended for cattle under the conditions encountered in the study
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