Outwintered young stock will also benefit from a worm dose this autumn. Where cattle are restless and unsettled in the house, there may be a problem with ectoparasites, especially lice. The use of an ivermectin wormer which is effective against lice as well as worms will allow the cattle to settle and start gaining weight quickly. The wet weather during August and September has increased the problem of liver fluke damage. The object is then to minimise the damage by treating with a flukicide for the immature flukes within the first two weeks of housing.
Some manufactures recommend a one week interval between the worm and fluke treatment.
Discuss your worming programme with your veterinary surgeon and adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations. To achieve target liveweight gains a good planned programme will be essential. The first stage is to establish the feeding value of the silage. Your DANI Farm Development Adviser can assist you decide on the level of concentrates to feed to achieve your liveweight targets. On many farms this winter the quantity of silage available will be a limiting factor.