Anthelmintic treatment and supplementation in Nellore calves performance in the post-weaning period

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of anthelmintic treatment and supplementation of post-weaning Nellore calves. The parasitism degree, hematological changes and animal performance were analyzed, as well as the financial viability. One hundred contemporary Nellore calves were used. Animals were divided into four groups: CS+AT: supplementation with concentrate and anthelmintic treatment; CS: supplementation with concentrate; PS+AT: protein mineral supplementation and anthelmintic treatment; PS: protein mineral supplementation. Coproparasitological, hematological, and cost examinations were performed, and productive performance was also evaluated. A completely randomized design was used. Animals that received CS+AT showed greater weight gain. In females, there was significant difference in egg counts per gram of feces only between the CS and PS+AT. In males, animals receiving CS+AT, CS, and PS+AT differ from those receiving PS. No significant effects were observed for total plasma protein, packed cell volume, and eosinophils count. Females which received PS+AT and males who received CS+AT showed higher profitability. This study concludes that effective anthelmintic use is still viable, with higher profitability associated with concentrated supplementation in males, and mineral protein supplementation in females. Male calves show better return over investment when compared to females, due to the higher market value and higher potential performance.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections do not hinder the development of Simmental X Nellore crossbred calves raised with a nutritionally enhanced diet

“…However, cattle productivity presents losses due to parasitism caused by flies, ticks and endoparasites, with annual losses of more than 13 billion US dollars (Grisi et al, 2014). The body weight gain of young cattle may be affected by the interaction of several factors, such as genetic background, sanitary conditions and environmental factors, especially those pertaining to nutritional quality (Pathak, 2017;Fachiolli et al, 2017).…”