Influence of frequency of anthelmintic treatment on the growth rate of Australian Friesian Sahiwal heifers

A group of 42 Australian Friesian Sahiwal heifers was divided into 3 groups. Two groups received levamisole at different frequencies; once every 3 months or once per month at the rate of 4.45 mg of the phosphate base/kg; while the third group was untreated. Treatments were applied between 9 and 23 weeks of age, after weaning. A fourth group of 7 Friesian calves of equivalent age were initially not treated and were used as a comparison with the Australian Friesian Sahiwal control group. Bodyweights of cattle and faecal egg counts were measured every 2 weeks and larval cultures were performed on samples with high egg counts. A significant (P less than 0.05) increase in weight gain was recorded in the Australian Friesian Sahiwal heifers treated once per month compared with once every 3 months and the untreated group. The group of Friesian calves had to be treated after 7 weeks due to weight loss and poor body condition.