Managing parasites is one of the biggest challenges for farmers. There is a lot to think about, including what type of products to use for different types of parasite. It’s also vital to look at the cost, resistance, and the impact on produce like milk and meat. We want to have a closer look here specifically at pour-on wormer and best practice. So, keep reading for some useful tips to help you improve dosing and reduce waste.

What product will you use?

The first mistake people can make with worming is to choose the wrong products. What you should be doing is ensuring you select the right product with a suitable active ingredient to tackle the specific type of parasite. Getting advice from a vet is a must. Crucially, they should be able to tell you exactly what type of parasites you are dealing with and can recommend a product.

Application errors

Pour-on wormers are a convenient choice because they are generally easy to apply. There is no need to worry about injections (and potential side effects) or oral application. However, it is easy to make mistakes. This can result in poor efficacy and waste.

You get the best results with pour-on wormer if you apply it evenly along the full length of the flat part of an animal’s back. This will maximise absorption. Never apply it all in one spot or several separate spots.

Many errors with application stem from issues with the applicators. If equipment is faulty, particularly if there are leaks or blockages, you will have problems with the dosages. Worse, you’ll be wasting money. So, always inspect each applicator before you use it; check the nozzle, chamber, and plunger.

It’s also vital to make sure applicators are calibrated correctly. A problem with the calibration could mean you are under or over-dosing every application. The easiest thing to do here is test the applicator. Load a dose then dispense it into a measuring cup to check it is precise. If it is off, either over or under, don’t use the applicator. Additionally, keep an eye on the calibration as you work, especially if you’re dosing dozens of animals; don’t assume it will dispense the same amount every time after heavy repeat use.

After use, make sure you clean applicators thoroughly, especially the nozzles. You don’t want to leave any residue, including wormer, soap, or water. Then, carefully store them until the next time you need them. Ensure where you store them is clean to prevent contamination. This will reduce the risk of issues in the future.

Timing errors

Even if you do everything right with pour-on wormers, there could still be problems if you don’t think about when you dose animals. One thing to remember is to check the weather. While some products will be resistant, others can wash away if animals are caught out in the rain. Make sure you check the forecast and choose a period where it will be dry before and after application.

Finally, it is vital to avoid mistakes with withdrawal periods. You have to give a period of time after application before finishing animals or milking dairy cattle. If you get your scheduling wrong here, it can result in production losses. Always check the withdrawal period and plan around it.

Have you got any questions about wormer?

As you can see, mistakes with pour-on wormers can be very costly. However, if you keep the information above in mind and focus on best practice, you can maximise the results. It can improve animal health, support productivity, and reduce waste and costs.

Our goal at JS Hubbuck Ltd is to help clients ensure their animals are healthy and productive. To do that, we provide a range of great products (including wormer) and share all kinds of useful knowledge. So, get in touch today and work with a long running family business.