Control of cattle grubs with fenthion pour-on and trichlorfon spot-on in Germany

Field tests in northern Germany showed that fenthion pour-on and trichlorfon spot-on are suitable for the control of cattle grubs. The advantage of these two methods of application compared with other methods is the exact, easy, and time-saving applicationField tests indicate that fenthion (Tiguvon) pour-on is highly effective againsts the migrating first instar and the second and third instars. Trichlorfon (Neguvon) spot-on was also highly effective against the migrating first instar but showed a lower efficacy against the second and third instars. It is suggested that the second and third instars are killed more reliably by direct contact with the compound. This contact is easier to achieve by the pour-on than by the spot-on method.Under German conditions, the following treatment plan is suggested: application of fenthion pour-on or trichlorfon spot-on in the autumn and, if required, fenthion pour-on in the spring. Since cattle eliminate trichlorfon faster than fenthion, application of the former may be preferable in certain cases.     

The feasibility of exterminating warble flies (Hypoderma spp.) on a regional basis

A program to exterminate warble flies (Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis) was begun in Wetaskiwin County, Alberta, Canada, in 1968 and has since been adopted by nearly all the local authorities (countries, municipalities, etc.) in Alberta, which has an area of about 650 000 km². Except for lactating cows, which were treated with rotenone, all the cattle in the program were treated annually with systemic insecticides.The program has been under continuous evaluation in Wetaskiwin County where the mean numbers of warble grubs in untreated cattle were 9.0, 6.9, 3.4, 0.2, 2.5 and 1.4 in 1969–1974, respectively. In 1973 and 1974, the infestation was found mainly in one of the seven divisions of the county. That division did not receive adequate surveillance.The extermination of warble flies would be feasible in other areas if the procedures adopted in the Alberta program were carried out for a minimum period of 3 years and were followed by spring treatment of infested herds for several years. The recommended spring treatment is usually required for the control of cattle lice anyway.     

Hypodermosis control and simultaneous treatment for fascioliasis in steinfurt,Germany

For decades, about 30% of the young cattle in the Steinfurt district of the North German Basin were infested with Hypoderma bovis. Compulsory treatment with rotenone between 1934 and 1963 failed to control infestation. When systemic organophosphorous insecticides became available a 3-year scheme was instituted in which all the 6–24-month-old cattle were treated annually, between 15 November and 15 December, with trichlorfon spot-on.At first, the treatment was not compulsory and warble infestation was occasionally found in cattle purchased outside the district. Later, the treatment was made compulsory and since 1966 warble infestation has not been detected in the district.     

Strategic anthelmintic treatment of young cattle during summer in a Mediterranean-type climatic environment

A worm-control program utilising treatment of young grazing cattle with fenbendazole on two occasions during summer was tested in the Mediterranean-type climatic environment of south-west Western Australia. The grazing system aimed to produce steers by introducing three-month-old weaned calves to pasture in mid-winter until they were sold in early summer. Comparisons were made of the numbers of worm eggs passed on to plots by treated and untreated animals during autumn, the performances of treated and untreated cattle and the performances of calves introduced to the plots in mid-winter. The “tracer” calf technique was used to determine the availability of infective larvae on one untreated and one treated plot for each of the two years of the experiment.Treated animals deposited less Ostertagia spp. eggs on to pasture during autumn than did untreated animals in one of the two years. In both years they deposited less eggs of worm species other than Ostertagia spp. Less intestinal worms were acquired by “tracer” calves grazing treatment plots than those grazing no-treatment plots in both years, but there were no differences in the number of abomasal worms acquired.The reduction in availability of infective larvae of intestinal worms was insufficient to prevent the occurrence of parasitic gastroenteritis in calves introduced to the plots in mid-winter. The fenbendazole treatments did not confer any immediate body-weight advantage on treated animals.On both treatment and no-treatment plots, there were few infective larvae available to grazing cattle during early autumn, there was a rapid attainment of peak availability in winter and then a decline to low availability by mid-spring. In one year, infective larvae of intestinal worms (almost exclusively Cooperia spp.) increased in availability again in late spring and early summer. A high proportion of retarded worms was never a feature of the worm counts of “tracer” calves.It was concluded that the treatments may have been more effective had they been given during autumn.     

Efficacy of four acaricides applied as dips for control of the sheep scabies mite,Psoroptes ovis,on cattle

Four acaricides were evaluated in one- and two-dip treatments for efficacy against Psoroptes ovis infesting cattle: dioxathion [2,3-p-dioxanedithiol S,S-bis(O,O-diethyl phosphorodithioate)], amitraz [N′-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N-[[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)imino] methyl], flowable coumaphos [O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-l-benzopyran-7-yl)O, O-diethyl phosphorothioate], and toxaphene [chlorinated camphene containing 67–69% chlorine]. Dioxathion failed to control P. ovis on cattle in one or two dippings at 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2% active ingredient (AI). Amitraz did not eliminate all mites in one or two dippings at 0.0125, 0.025 and in one dipping at 0.05%. Coumaphos failed to eradicate mites in one dipping at 0.3%. Amitraz at 0.05% and flowable coumpahos at 0.3% gave complete control when applied in two dippings. Toxaphene, the standard treatment, eliminated mites in one dipping at 0.5% AI.     

Effects of 34 Years of Experimentally Manipulated Burn Seasons and Frequencies on Prairie Plant Composition

Historically, tallgrass prairie burns occurred at many seasons and frequencies. Currently, tallgrass prescribed burns often occur annually in the spring, usually for cattle forage production. Altering burning season and frequency is known to affect plant composition and biomass production, but researchers are still uncertain how burning season and frequency interact. We present the long-term effects of a factorial combination of different burn seasons (spring, summer, autumn, or variable [rotated through seasons]) and frequencies (annual or quadrennial) on the plant composition and biomass production of an ungrazed, restored tallgrass prairie in eastern Nebraska, United States. The experimental plots were established in 1978 and visually surveyed for baseline data in 1979 and 1981. Experimental burn treatments were begun in 1982. Plots were visually surveyed until 2011 with the following results: 1) annual spring and summer burns increased C₄ graminoid abundance; 2) annual autumn burns increased forb abundance; 3) burn season had little effect on plant composition for quadrennial burns; and 4) variable season burns generally led to plant composition that was intermediate between annual spring/summer and annual autumn burns. We also clipped biomass to estimate aboveground annual net primary production (ANPP) in 2015, a year in which both annual and quadrennial burns occurred. Total ANPP did not differ significantly between burn frequencies nor between spring and autumn burns (772 g m^? 2 average) but was lower in summer burns (541 g m^? 2). ANPP results were similar to visual surveys, with significantly higher C₄ graminoid ANPP in spring than autumn burns and significantly lower forb and C₃ graminoid ANPP in spring than autumn burns. Overall, these results suggest autumn burns can increase forb and C₃ graminoid abundance, without strongly affecting total ANPP relative to spring burns. Future studies should compare plant and livestock production between spring and autumn burns in grazed fields.     

Use of nonergot alkaloid-producing endophytes for alleviating tall fescue toxicosis in stocker cattle

Grazing studies were conducted to determine cattle growth performance, evaluate toxicosis, and compare grazing behavior in stocker cattle grazing nonergot alkaloid-producing endophyte-infected (AR542 or AR502), endophyte-free (E-), or wild-type toxic endophyte-infected (E+) Jesup, Georgia-5, and Kentucky-31 tall fescue. Replicated 0.81-ha tall fescue paddocks were established at the Central Georgia Branch Station at Eatonton and the Northwest Georgia Branch Station at Calhoun during October 1998 and were stocked with beef cattle for autumn and spring periods from fall 1999 through spring 2002. Mean ergot alkaloid concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) on E+ pastures than the other treatments at both locations. At Calhoun and Eatonton, post-treatment serum prolactin concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01) on E+ compared with AR542, AR502, and E- tall fescue. Cattle on AR542, AR502, and E- pastures had lower (P < 0.05) post-treatment rectal temperatures than cattle grazing E+ tall fescue during spring at Eatonton and Calhoun. Calf ADG was higher (P < 0.05) on AR542, AR502, and E- as compared with E+ tall fescue during autumn and spring grazing at Eatonton, and at Calhoun, cattle on E+ pastures had lower (P < 0.05) ADG in both autumn and spring. Gain/hectare was higher (P < 0.05) on AR542, AR502, and E- than on E+ during autumn at Eatonton and during spring at both locations. In autumn at Calhoun, gain/hectare was greater (P < 0.05) on AR502 and E- compared with E+ tall fescue. During April, May, and June, cattle grazing E+ pastures at Eatonton spent more (P < 0.01) time idling, more (P < 0.01) time standing, and used more (P < 0.01) water than cattle on AR542 and E- tall fescue. Daily prehensions and biting rate were each higher (P < 0.01) on AR542 and E- tall fescue than E+ tall fescue in both grazing seasons. There were no differences among pasture treatments for bite size in either spring (P = 0.50) or autumn (P = 0.34). Steers grazing E+ pastures had lower DMI than steers grazing AR542 and E- pastures during spring (P < 0.10) and lower DMI than steers grazing E- pastures during autumn (P < 0.05). Daily steer water usage was decreased (P < 0.10) in E+ pastures compared with AR542 and E- pastures during late fall. These results indicate that nonergot alkaloid-producing endophyte technology is a promising option for alleviating tall fescue toxicosis in stocker cattle.     

Effect of Droncit (Praziquantel) on Yellow Grubs Clinostomum marginatum and Eye Flukes Diplostomum spathaceum in Channel Catfish

Abstract

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus with infections of yellow grubs Clinostomum marginatum and eye flukes Diplostomum spathaceum were treated with 2 mg Droncit (praziquantel)/L in a water bath for 2 and 4 h. At the time of treatment, 80% of the fish had visible yellow grubs and 70% had opaque eyes. Fourteen days after treatment, 40.1% of the yellow grubs in the 2-h treatment were dead. No grubs were dead in the 4-h treatment; however, the number of yellow grubs was reduced in the treated fish. No dead eye flukes were seen in untreated fish after 14 d, but 59.2 and 44.4% of eye flukes in the 2- and 4-h treatments, respectively, were dead. At 21 d, the percentages of dead eye flukes were 86% (2 h) and 90.1% (4 h). Droncit had limited effect on yellow grubs in channel catfish, but the chemical had a beneficial effect of reducing numbers of eye flukes.     

Toxicity of Sevin (1-Naphthyl-n-Methyl-Carbamate) To Cattle Grubs, Lice, and Cattle

Sevin, a cholinergic insecticide, was used for the control of cattle lice Haemotopinus eurysternus and Bovicolar bovis and cattle grubs Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis. Partial or complete spraying of the animal body with 0.5 per cent Sevin was equally effective for louse control and one application killed the lice and prevented reinfestation in `carrier' cows for 17-20 weeks.

The dermal or parenteral administration of Sevin to the host animal had no larvicidal effect on cattle grubs migrating in its body. Similarly, the sprays of Sevin had no lethal effect on grubs encysted in the back of cattle.

     

Efficacy of Strychnos spinosa (Lam.) and Solanum incanum L. aqueous fruit extracts against cattle ticks

The efficacy of Solanum incanum and Strychnos spinosa aqueous fruit extracts was evaluated against cattle ticks in on-station experiments and laboratory tick bioassays. In the on-station experiment using cattle, fruit extracts were applied at three concentrations 5, 10, and 20 % (w/v) and compared with a commercial acaricide, Tickbuster® (amitraz) spray (positive control) and no treatment (negative control). The treatments were applied at weekly intervals for 6 weeks as surface sprays on 32 Mashona cattle in a completely randomized design experiment. Ticks on individual cattle were identified, counted, and recorded daily. Peripheral blood samples were collected for parasite screening. In the laboratory, tick bioassays were conducted at four concentrations, 5, 10, 20, and 40 % (w/v) fruit extracts compared to Tickbuster® (amitraz) spray (positive control) and distilled water (negative control). The extracts were incubated with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus tick larvae and mortalities for each treatment level recorded after 24 and 48 h. The 5 % Solanum incanum treatment had higher efficacy ratio (P?<?0.05) than the other fruit extract concentrations of the same plant species. Efficacy ratio was higher (P?<?0.05) in the 5 % S. spinosa-treated cattle than in the untreated control but lower (P?<?0.05) than that for the amitraz treatment. The bioassays indicated that there was a high efficacy ratio for the lowest fruit extract concentrations when ticks were exposed to acaricidal treatments for 48 h compared to 24 h. Overall, the results indicate that Solanum incanum and Strychnos spinosa individually have some acaricidal effect.     

Evaluating Mechanical Treatments and Seeding of a Wyoming Big Sagebrush Community 10 Yr Post Treatment

Increased cover of perennial grasses and forbs would increase the wildlife and forage value of many Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) communities, as well as increase their resistance to weeds. We compared six mechanical treatments in conjunction with seeding a Wyoming big sagebrush community in northern Utah over a 10-yr period. The treatments included disk plow followed by land imprinter, one-way Ely chain, one- and two-way pipe harrow, all applied in fall, and meadow aerator applied in fall and spring. A mixture of native and introduced grasses and forbs was broadcast seeded at 18.3 kg PLS ha^? 1 after the disk and before the imprinter and all other treatments. The experiment was installed in three randomized blocks, and density and cover data were collected before treatment in 2001 and 1, 2, 5, and 10 yr after treatment. All treatments initially reduced sagebrush and residual herbaceous cover and increased seeded species cover compared with the untreated control. By 10 yr after treatment, sagebrush cover was 24.5% ± 0.35% on the control, 1.6% ± 0.28% on the disk imprinter treatment, and 11.7% ± 0.79% on all other treatments. At that time, seeded grass cover was 16.5% ± 1.22% on the disk imprinter treatment and an average of 2% ± 0.1% on all other mechanical treatments. Sagebrush seedlings were recruited in all of the mechanical treatments, but least in the disk imprinter treatment. After 10 yr, the untreated control was dominated by decadent sagebrush and rabbitbrush, the disk imprinter treatment was dominated by seeded perennial grasses, and the other mechanical treatments shared dominance of sagebrush and native perennial grasses. Mechanical treatments changed the composition of this community while retaining sagebrush, but greatest understory increases were associated with greatest control of sagebrush and establishment of seeded species by disk imprinting.     

Effect of a treatment with eprinomectin or trichlorfon on the yield and quality of milk produced by multiparous dairy cows

The effects of a strategic antiparasitic treatment against Hypoderma species and other parasites on the milk yield, composition, and somatic cell counts of 742 multiparous dairy cattle were investigated on 79 farms in a Hypoderma species-endemic area in western Switzerland; 357 of the cows were treated with eprinomectin, 252 with trichlorfon, and 133 were left untreated. The treatments were given between October and early December 1998, on average 53 days before calving. Milk yield, fat, protein and somatic cell counts were measured once a month until the end of lactation. Eprinomectin and trichlorfon significantly increased milk yield during the first month after treatment compared with the control cows by 2.14 (P < 0.001) and 2.50 kg per day (P < 0.001), respectively. Initially, the difference between the eprinomectin- and trichlorfon-treated animals was not significant, but the effect of eprinomectin on milk yield was persistent, whereas the effect of trichlorfon decreased significantly by 0.12 kg per day per month (P < 0.05). The somatic cell counts increased significantly slower in the treated cows than in the control cows (P < 0.05). Milk composition was not affected by the treatments.     

Effects of Wildlife on Cattle Diets in Laikipia Rangeland,Kenya

The impacts of wild herbivores on cattle diet selection were investigated in an East African rangeland during August 2001 and February 2002. The study compared cattle diets in plots exclusively accessible to cattle (C) and those accessible to megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes), non-megaherbivore wild herbivores > 15 kg (zebras, hartebeests, Grant's gazelles, oryx, elands, and buffaloes) and cattle (MWC); or non-megaherbivore wild herbivores and cattle (WC). There were no treatment differences in selection of most grass species in either sampling period (P > 0.05). However, selection of forbs differed among treatments during February when conditions were relatively dry and percent of bites taken by cattle on this forage class increased (P < 0.005) from 1.8% ± 0.3 to 7.7% ± 1.6 (mean ± SE). During this period, cattle took a lower percent of bites on forbs in MWC (4.3% ± 1.7; P = 0.01) and WC (5.9% ± 2.2; P = 0.03) than in C (12.9% ± 0.9). These patterns were generally driven by Commelina spp., which comprised 65% ± 9.4 of total bites on forbs. Notably, these differences were associated with differences in cover of forbs, which was positively correlated with percent of bites on forbs (r² = 0.86, P < 0.01). Because forbs may be critical components of cattle diets in such rangelands during relatively dry periods, these dietary changes may indicate potential seasonal costs of wildlife to cattle production. Looking for ways to offset such costs may be worthwhile for livestock properties that accommodate wildlife.     

Eradication of warble flies in West Germany

Since derris preparations applied in compliance with a government directive of 1933 failed to control warble flies, a new law to enforce treatment with systemic insecticides was passed in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1967. Under this law, the owners must treat their cattle with systemics before the grazing season starts if hypodermal grubs are found on even a single animal in the herd. The law authorizes state governments to decree that all cattle in a state or in certain regions be treated at a certain time. All states with pasture areas have exercised this right.The grazing season runs from May to October and the cattle are stabled thereafter. The treatment period is mandated after the grazing season, at the beginning of December. If warbles are observed before the cattle are turned out to pasture, a second treatment of all the cattle on the farm is mandatory. Through this procedure, warble infestation has been greatly reduced. In some areas, the infestation has been eradicated completely and is not seen either on live animals or on the hides of slaughtered cattle. The level of infestation at which it is safe to abandon autumn treatment without risking a resurgence of the infestation has not been determined.     

不同季节对牛冻融胚胎移植效果的影响

[目的]为探究不同季节(月份)对西门塔尔牛冻融胚胎移植效果的影响。[方法]分析2015年10月—2017年8月在张掖和定西地区移植冻融胚胎143枚,其中春、夏、秋、冬分别移植36枚,58枚,45枚,4枚。[结果]在本试验条件下,春、夏、秋、冬的妊娠率分别是61.11%(22/36),72.41%(42/58),80.00%(36/45),25%(1/4);春、夏、秋、冬的流产率分别是31.82%(7/22),23.81%(10/42),30.55%(11/36),100%(1/1);经检验,组间差异极显著(P0.01)。7月中旬,9月,10月妊娠率均在80%以上,4月和7月下旬均在60%左右,1月只有25%。[结论]在甘肃秋季是牛冻融胚胎移植较佳的季节。     

The effect of claw trimming on the hoof health of Swedish dairy cattle

A 2-year experiment on the effect of claw trimming on hoof health was performed in 77 Swedish dairy herds (3444 dairy cattle) selected on herd size, breed composition and membership in the official milk-recording scheme. In the autumn, cows within each herd were blocked according to breed, parity and stage of lactation and allocated to two treatments: autumn trimming (AT) or no autumn trimming (NAT). Outcome variables were claw measurements and prevalence of hoof lesions and lameness (measured at spring trimming) and the need for hoof treatments between scheduled trimmings. At spring trimming, NAT cows had longer and shallower claws than AT cows. The average net growth of the toe wall was greater for AT than for NAT cattle, with a marked variation between housing systems. Most hoof lesions present at AT had disappeared at the subsequent spring trimming. Controlled for clustering by herd-within-year and for the effects of individual-and herd-level covariates, AT cattle at spring trimmings had significantly lower odds of lameness (OR=0.66) and of haemorrhages of the sole or white-line (OR=0.86), sole ulcer (OR=0.59) and white-line fissure or double sole (OR=0.71)-but not of moderate-to-severe heel-horn erosion or dermatitis (OR=0.96). Acute hoof treatments between claw trimmings were more common in the NAT group (OR=2.02).     

Annual evolution of cattle immunity against Babesia divergens in Northern Switzerland

A seroepidemiological survey of Babesia divergens babesiosis was conducted on 9 farms in a focus of northern Switzerland (Clos-du-Doubs, Jura). During 1981, a total of > 300 cattle were examined for B. divergens antibodies with an indirect immunofluorescence test. Annual evolution of immunity was estimated 3 times during the year (April, July and December). Cattle were progressively sensitized against B. divergens during the grazing period. Considering all cattle, 33.9% possessed anti-B. divergens antibodies in spring, before the grazing period. This percentage increased in the summer (59.1%), reaching 90.6% in December.In the studied area, the most important calving period occurs in autumn and young calves do not leave the farm before they are 2 months old. Calves generally lacked maternal antibodies when they were moved to pastures for the first time. Although infested with B. divergens-infected ticks, they never presented acute symptoms of babesiosis. They appeared to be naturally resistant to the disease. Cattle from 9 months to 3 years old were more susceptible. In April, 73.4% did not show antibodies. During our study, 12 of the 15 cattle of that age which had babesiosis did not possess antibodies. Cattle > 3 years old were more protected. In April, only 51% lacked antibodies and 1 case of babesiosis was observed in this group.     

Importance of Treatment Duration for Praziquantel Used against Larval Digenetic Trematodes in Sunshine Bass

Abstract

The effectiveness of praziquantel (Droncit) against yellow grubs Clinostomum complanatum and unidentified, encysted, larval trematodes was tested in infected sunshine bass Morone chrysops female × M. saxatilis male. Praziquantel treatments significantly reduced the total number of live grubs in the fish in most treatment regimes tested. Treatment at 0.25 mg/L for 24 h was as effective as one at 8 mg/L for 8 h. Mature dead and dying metacercaria may have released toxins that killed host fish in some treatments.     

Persistence of cattle grubs (Diptera: Oestridae) on a Canadian ranch with long-term, continuous therapeutic control

Sero-prevalence of cattle grubs (Diptera: Oestridae) was monitored on two large western Canadian ranches from 1992 to 1999. One ranch has had a long-term programme for therapeutic control of cattle grubs as required by legislation in the province of Alberta. The other ranch, located in southeast Saskatchewan, has not used any treatment for grub control for an extended period of time. Serum from calves was tested each fall for the presence of antibodies to Hypoderma spp. using an ELISA. Percent positive sera on the Ranch 1 ranged from 8.0 to 73.3%. There was substantial variation among years and among two separate herds maintained on the ranch. Percent infested calves on the Ranch 2 ranged from 76.5 to 99.0%. Improved surveillance for cattle grubs using serological techniques is the only effective means to monitor the status of this important parasite.     

Corticosterone Metabolite Concentrations in Greater Sage-Grouse Are Positively Associated With the Presence of Cattle Grazing

The sagebrush biome in the western United States is home to the imperiled greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and encompasses rangelands used for cattle production. Cattle grazing activities have been implicated in the range-wide decline of the sage-grouse, but no studies have investigated the relationship between the physiological condition of sage-grouse and the presence of grazing cattle. We sampled 329 sage-grouse across four sites (two grazed and two ungrazed) encompassing 13 600 km² during the spring and late summer–early autumn of 2005 to evaluate whether demographic factors, breeding status, plasma protein levels, and residence in a cattle-grazed habitat were associated with the stress hormone corticosterone. Corticosterone was measured in feces as immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites (ICM). Males captured during the lekking season exhibited higher ICM levels than all others. Prenesting female sage-grouse captured in a grazed site had higher ICM levels than those in ungrazed sites and prenesting female plasma protein levels were negatively correlated with ICM concentrations. With the use of a small-scale spatial model, we identified a positive correlation between cattle pat count and sage-grouse ICM levels. Our model indicated that ICM levels increased by 2.60 ng · g^-1 dry feces for every increase in the number of cow pats found in the vicinity. Management practices will benefit from future research regarding the consistency and mechanism(s) responsible for this association and, importantly, how ICM levels and demographic rates are related in this species of conservation concern.