Effects of subclinical parasitism on beef production

Authors: McMullan MJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 21, Issue 3, pp 38-42, Mar 1973
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Animal production/wastage, Growth/development, Nematode, Parasite control, Parasites - internal
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Whenever disease is discussed in terms of beef production in New Zealand it is certain to include infertility (brucellosis, vibriosis), metabolic diseases (bloat, staggers) and possibly exotic diseases and their prevention. On the rare occasion that parasitism is considered it tends somehow to find itself, along with selenium and other deficiency diseases, under a general heading of nutrition or management. This is probably because, while parasitism is still recognized as an infectious disease with clear clinical signs in severe cases, the tendency is to ignore its presence unless nutritional or management changes force a confrontation. When stocking rates are high and pasture contamination heavy, young calves readily acquire and exhibit worm burdens that obviously affect their growth rate. This is a common observation especially in dairy stock and has been reported previously (Brunsdon, 1968; Khouri et al 1969). These workers also demonstrated the extent to which total liveweight production can be affected by parasites. However, the contribution that subclinical levels of internal parasites make towards suboptimal growth rates in young cattle, and the effects on carcass composition and financial returns, have not been widely studied…

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