Abstract
Endoparasites are one of the major health issues in beef suckler cows and can cause economic losses. As studies on the parasitological status of beef suckler cow herds are rare, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status quo of the parasite burden in herds at four representative locations in Germany. Additionally, the farmers’ pasture management and deworming strategies were documented. Based on these data, the second aim of the study was to develop recommendations for improved deworming and pasture hygiene management. A total of 708 faecal samples were examined with parasitological routine methods. Results revealed Fasciola hepatica, gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), Eimeria species (spp.), Moniezia spp. and Dictyocaulus viviparus as the most frequent findings. Clinical signs of parasitic diseases were not found during the farm visits. Statistical analyses showed a significant effect of the age status of the animal on the parasitological status in general. Due to the percentage of occurrence, detailed statistical analysis was performed for Eimeria, GIN and Fasciola hepatica, confirming the effect of age status. Assessing the parasitological status of beef suckler cows as routine procedure could help to establish an improved parasite-control management on a farm-individual basis.
Highlights
Even though they only represent a minor percentage (5.39%) of kept cows in Germany, beef suckler cows are gaining importance in German cattle production [1]
Awareness of animal welfare and demand for high meat quality has grown over the last decade, especially in Europe [3]
For the presented on-farm study, beef suckler cow herds (Aberdeen and German Angus) on five farms (Farms A–E) in four representative regions of Germany were monitored with regard to their parasitological status over a period of 17 months between May 2015 and September 2016
Summary
Even though they only represent a minor percentage (5.39%) of kept cows in Germany, beef suckler cows are gaining importance in German cattle production [1]. Mother-bonded rearing of beef cattle calves is commonly seen as an animal-friendly system as the calves remain in a herd with their mothers up to the age of around nine months. The production system is economically efficient if performed pasture-based. This production system gives the animals the opportunity to express species-specific behaviour and it is known to have benefits for the animals’ health and wellbeing [4]. There are several, economically relevant health issues that are closely associated with this mother-bonded rearing system on pastures. One of these challenges, parasite pressure, seems to be becoming even more difficult to cope with due to increasing resistance against deworming medications worldwide [5].
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