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DeRosa AA, Holzmer S, Ball JJ, Watkins LP, Blanding M, Alley M, Short TH, Bechtol DT, Waite AR, Rigoni EJ, Tena JK. Comparative growth performance of backgrounded beef heifers treated with an injectable fixed-dose combination (0.2 mg/kg doramectin + 6.0 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride) or single-active (0.2 mg/kg ivermectin) endectocide. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323S:110054. [PMID: 37879976 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) can negatively impact all production classes of cattle, particularly growing cattle. A global decline in efficacy of broad-spectrum single-active anthelmintics requires alternative GIN control methods without the aid of novel drug classes. Here, we present a new fixed-dose combination injectable (FDCI) endectocide for cattle that combines doramectin (5 mg/ml) and levamisole hydrochloride (150 mg/ml). A 56-day comparative performance confinement backgrounding trial was conducted in stocker beef heifers (n = 1548) with confirmed GIN infections to (1) compare the Day 14 post-treatment effectiveness of the new FDCI endectocide to pen mates treated with the injectable single-active endectocide ivermectin, as evidenced by fecal egg counts (FECs) conducted for a randomly selected subset (10%) of both treatment groups, and (2) determine if the greater GIN control by the FDCI evidenced in the subsample improved growth performance in all FDCI-treated heifers. Heifers were procured in four cohorts, with a 10-week timeframe between enrollment of the first and last cohort. Treatment groups were comingled within dirt-floor pens (n = 31; 7-8 per cohort) and offered a standard backgrounding diet ad libitum for the study duration. Heifers with enrollment FEC ≥ 30 eggs per gram (EPG) were randomly allocated to receive the FDCI (n = 773) or ivermectin (n = 775) on Day 0. Day 0 FECs conducted on 10% of enrolled heifers (FDCI, n = 78; ivermectin, n = 79) were not different between treatment groups (p = 0.491). Day 14 FECs for the same heifers were reduced compared to Day 0 within each treatment group. Heifers given the FDCI had lower Day 14 AM FECs and higher FEC reduction test (FECRT) result (0.07 EPG; 0.999) than ivermectin-treated heifers (21.58 EPG; FECRT = 0.850). Mean body weight (BW) was not different between treatment groups on Day 0 (p = 0.2762) and Day 14 (p = 0.2010) but was significantly greater (p = 0.0007) for FDCI-treated heifers compared to ivermectin-treated heifers on Day 56. Compared to ivermectin-treated heifers, overall average daily gain from all evaluation periods (Day 0-14, Day 14-56, and Day 0-56) was greater (p ≤ 0.0052) in FDCI-treated heifers, and FDCI-treated heifers had 4.223 kg greater total weight gain over the 56-day study. The FDCI (0.2 mg/kg doramectin + 6.0 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride) was highly effective in reducing GIN infections and thus promoted improved growth performance in beef heifers over a 56-day backgrounding period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Holzmer
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | - Jase J Ball
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | | | | | - Mark Alley
- Zoetis, 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA
| | | | | | - Audie R Waite
- Agri Research, LLC, 17001 Hope Road, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
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Haemonchus contortus Parasitism in Intensively Managed Cross-Limousin Beef Calves: Effects on Feed Conversion and Carcass Characteristics and Potential Associations with Climatic Conditions. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090955. [PMID: 36145388 PMCID: PMC9500760 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the study were: (a) to study the effect of Haemonchus spp. on the growth performance characteristics of fattening calves, (b) to assess any potential effects on carcass characteristics and (c) to investigate the potential role of climatic conditions in the process of the infection. The study was conducted for 201 days in an intensively managed cross-Limousin herd. The animals were divided into two equal groups: those receiving anthelmintic treatment (AT) and the untreated (C) controls. The same nutritional regime was applied to both groups and the feed consumption was calculated daily. Standard parasitological examinations were performed at weekly intervals. At slaughter, carcasses were weighed and assessed for conformation and fat cover classes. Climatic variables were obtained for the location of the farm and a temperature-humidity index was calculated. Before anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin, there was no difference in parasitic burdens between the two groups: 544 (AT) vs. 554 (C) epg, whilst after it, counts were 0 and 450–700 epg, respectively, with over 96% of larvae identified as Haemonchus spp. and, later, confirmed as Haemonchus contortus. It was concluded that treated animals had a higher average total bodyweight gain, higher feed conversion ratio and carcass yield of superior quality than controls. There was a difference between the two groups in the pattern of reduction of dry matter intake as the temperature-humidity index increased.
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Wang T, Redman EM, Morosetti A, Chen R, Kulle S, Morden N, McFarland C, Vineer HR, Colwell DD, Morgan ER, Gilleard JS. Seasonal epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in the northern continental climate zone of western Canada as revealed by internal transcribed spacer-2 ribosomal DNA nemabiome barcoding. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:604. [PMID: 34895334 PMCID: PMC8665551 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) epidemiology is changing in many regions of the world due to factors such as global warming and emerging anthelmintic resistance. However, the dynamics of these changes in northern continental climate zones are poorly understood due to a lack of empirical data. Methods We studied the accumulation on pasture of free-living infective third-stage larvae (L3) of different GIN species from fecal pats deposited by naturally infected grazing cattle. The field study was conducted on three organic farms in Alberta, western Canada. Grass samples adjacent to 24 fecal pats were collected from each of three different pastures on each farm. Internal transcribed spacer-2 nemabiome metabarcoding was used to determine the GIN species composition of the harvested larvae. The rotational grazing patterns of the cattle ensured that each pasture was contaminated only once by fecal pat deposition. This design allowed us to monitor the accumulation of L3 of specific GIN species on pastures under natural climatic conditions without the confounding effects of pasture recontamination or anthelmintic treatments. Results In seven out of the nine pastures, grass L3 counts peaked approximately 9 weeks after fecal deposition and then gradually declined. However, a relatively large number of L3 remained in the fecal pats at the end of the grazing season. Nemabiome metabarcoding revealed that Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi were the two most abundant species on all of the pastures and that the dynamics of larval accumulation on grass were similar for both species. Daily precipitation and temperature across the whole sampling period were similar for most of the pastures, and multiple linear regression showed that accumulated rainfall 1 week prior to sample collection had a significant impact on the pasture L3 population, but accumulated rainfall 3 weeks prior to sample collection did not. Conclusions The results suggest that the pasture L3 population was altered by short-term microclimatic conditions conducive for horizontal migration onto grass. Overall, the results show the importance of the fecal pat as a refuge and reservoir for L3 of cattle GIN on western Canadian pastures, and provide an evidence base for the risk assessment of rotational grazing management in the region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05101-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wang
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Elizabeth M Redman
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Arianna Morosetti
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sarah Kulle
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Natasha Morden
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - John S Gilleard
- Host-Parasite Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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Zarlenga D, Barone C, Hebert D, Santin-Duran M, Newcomb H. A simple molecular method to identify and quantify genera of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3979-3986. [PMID: 34647169 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Classic approaches for antemortem identification of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) require coproculture of eggs and morphological examination. While adequate for diagnosis, many PCR techniques cannot easily quantify mixed infections without controls and/or standard curves. Herein, we developed a simple and rapid test for differentiating and quantifying mixed infections of GIN using PCR products separated by capillary electrophoresis. Among the cattle GIN, the ITS2 region is sufficiently distinct in length to delineate among the most common infecting genera, Ostertagia ostertagi = 373 bases (b), Haemonchus contortus (placei) = 366b, Cooperia punctata (oncophora) = 376b, Trichostrongylus axei = 372b, and Oesophagostomum radiatum = 357b. Conserved primers were synthesized that span the ITS2 where one primer was fluorescently labeled with 6-FAM. DNAs from infective L3 were PCR amplified then loaded onto an ABI 3130 sequencer adapted for size fragment analysis. Resulting peak amplitudes were both diagnostic and quantitative on a relative basis. As proof of principle, quantification was performed on PCR fragments from mixed species pairs of Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia punctata, and Haemonchus contortus and analyzed using Gene Marker V1.85 software. In all cases, linear responses were observed where R2 > 0.97 and line slopes ranged between 0.90 and 1.1. When tested on eggs from naturally infected animals, the assay showed superior results on two farms when compared to coproculture and morphological identification. Using wildlife-derived samples, results coincided well with deep amplicon sequencing. The assay is adaptable to large-scale studies, does not require comparative PCR controls, and should be compliant with GIN from small ruminant livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Zarlenga
- Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, B1180 BARC-East, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
| | | | - Deborah Hebert
- Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, B1180 BARC-East, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Monica Santin-Duran
- Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Lab, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Harold Newcomb
- Technical Services, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ, USA
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Navarre CB. Epidemiology and Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Cattle in Southern Climates. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2020; 36:45-57. [PMID: 32029188 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) can have both economic and health benefits for cattle operations in the southern United States. In the past several decades, GIN control has relied almost exclusively on the use of anthelmintics. With the increase in anthelmintic resistance new strategies must be developed. Anthelmintic use should be minimized by integrating grazing management and a good herd health program into GIN control programs. This takes knowledge of GIN biology and epidemiology in the region (climate and weather) combined with specific information from the ranch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine B Navarre
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, 111 Dalrymple Building, 110 LSU Union Square, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-0106, USA.
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Predatory effect of Duddingtonia flagrans on infective larvae of gastro-intestinal parasites under sunny and shaded conditions. Exp Parasitol 2018; 193:27-32. [PMID: 30053398 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Duddingtonia flagrans is a natural strain of Nematophagous-Fungi isolated around the world. It has demonstrated efficacy and ease of use in laboratory as well as in field conditions. The fungus contributes to the prophylactic control of the worms by reducing the number of L3 on pasture. The aims of this study were to test and analyze the predatory effect of D. flagrans under sunny and shaded conditions on the L3 in the faeces, and to verify the reduction of translation to pasture during summer and winter seasons. Faecal Mass Units (FMUs) were assigned to two treated groups (groups treated with D. flagrans chlamydospores, TG) and two untreated groups (without D. flagrans chlamydospores, UG), in summer and winter, under sunny and shaded conditions. FMUs and herbage samples were taken for parasitological workup. Predatory activity of D. flagrans was evident under both conditions for the summer experiment but was not manifest for the winter experiment. In summer, an interaction between sunny and shaded conditions and predatory activity of D. flagrans was found. Environmental conditions on predatory activity should be considered when designing strategies for the implementation of D. flagrans in grazing systems to smooth the infectivity curve of L3.
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A critical review and meta-analysis of the magnitude of the effect of anthelmintic use on stocker calf production parameters in Northern US States. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:2-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Yazwinski TA, Tucker CA, Powell J, Beck P, Wray E, Weingartz C. Current Status of Parasite Control at the Feed Yard. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2015; 31:229-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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McArthur MJ, Reinemeyer CR. Herding the U.S. cattle industry toward a paradigm shift in parasite control. Vet Parasitol 2013; 204:34-43. [PMID: 24439770 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary management of nematode parasitism in cattle relies heavily on a single class of drugs, the macrocyclic lactones (MLs). The potency and convenience of the MLs, along with the low cost of generic formulations, have largely supplanted the need for critical thinking about parasite control, and rote treatment has become the default 'strategy'. This approach to parasite control has exerted substantial pressure to select populations of nematodes that can survive recommended dosages of ML products. Although macrocyclic lactones have been available for over 30 years, putative ML resistance in U.S. cattle was not reported until fairly recently. This pattern begs the question, "Is this a new, emergent problem, or an old issue that is finally commanding some attention?" The implications of bovine anthelmintic resistance should stimulate a paradigm shift for U.S. cattle producers and their advisors. However, there are significant obstacles to changes in current thinking. It is anticipated that cattle producers will be extremely reluctant to abandon historical practices unless they can be convinced of the value of alternatives that are communicated through targeted education, practical demonstrations, economic analyses, and scientific evidence. Historically, the management advice of practitioners has not relied strongly on parasite epidemiology, and practitioners may not have the knowledge to implement evidence-based recommendations. Pharmaceutical companies could play a significant role in helping to shape and shift the thinking about sustainable use of anthelmintics. However, their primary responsibility is to stockholders, and they have strong economic incentives for maintaining the status quo. It is complicated and difficult to change attitudes and practices, and it will take more than logic or fear to shift the parasite control paradigm in the U.S. cattle industry. Achieving that goal will require collaboration among stakeholders, a consistent, straightforward and understandable message about resistance, and recommendations that are practical as well as effective. But if we hope to ultimately influence producers and their advisors, we need to be conscious of how individuals and groups change their minds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C R Reinemeyer
- East Tennessee Clinical Research, Inc., Rockwood, TN, USA
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Forbes A. LongRange™ (eprinomectin 5%) extended-release injection parasiticide and the utility of extended-activity antiparasitics in cattle. Vet Parasitol 2013; 192:308-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Effects of farm management practices and environmental factors on bulk tank milk antibodies against gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy farms across Canada. Prev Vet Med 2012; 104:53-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Jiménez A, Fernández A, Alfaro R, Dolz G, Vargas B, Epe C, Schnieder T. A cross-sectional survey of gastrointestinal parasites with dispersal stages in feces from Costa Rican dairy calves. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:236-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Yazwinski T, Tucker C, Powell J, Reynolds J, Hornsby P, Johnson Z. Fecal egg count reduction and control trial determinations of anthelmintic efficacies for several parasiticides utilizing a single set of naturally infected calves. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:232-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Revised: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yazwinski TA, Tucker CA, Hornsby JA, Powell JG, Reynolds JL, Johnson ZB, Lindsey W, Silver TK. Effectiveness evaluation of several cattle anthelmintics via the fecal egg count reduction test. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:71-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Forbes A, J.Vercruysse, Charlier J. A survey of the exposure to Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cow herds in Europe through the measurement of antibodies in milk samples from the bulk tank. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:100-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Revised: 06/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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