Ivermectin suppresses EPG for six to eight weeks after treatment while fenbendazole and all other similar products are expected to be effective for four weeks after treatment. These results indicate how critical it is to select the proper treatment for your deworming program. Small strongyles are the most serious internal parasite threat to mature horses today. Average daily gain was not different between the two treated groups. It has been reported that continual deworming will result in greater weight gain, which was not shown in this or another study.
Cost is a factor in any management practice.
A significant cost difference existed between the two programs. The additional labor of feeding the daily deworming pellets was not included in this figure. Since there was no difference in the level of effective parasite treatment in the weanlings, and probably no difference would have existed in the yearlings if only ivermectin had been used, cost may be the determining factor in deciding which deworming program best fits your program and pocketbook. Continual deworming may be advantageous at a boarding stable because it prevents parasitism in your horse without relying on other owners to deworm their horses. And, if the extra cost of daily deworming is affordable.