Parasite Control in Calves and Growing Heifers

Parasite control in calves and growing heifers results in animals that grow faster and remain healthier. Control programs revolve around reducing the parasites (infective stages) in the environment. In confinement, sanitation removes or reduces the number of infective stages (oocysts, cysts, and infective larvae) and the infection rate. On pasture one must resort to pasture management and parasite removal. The mites and lice are generally controlled by reducing or removing the populations on the animals, preventing the spread. Environmental control and manure management impact the fly populations.