Dairy beef steer liveweight response to zeranol and oxfendazole

Authors: Chalmers K
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 5, pp 70-71, May 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal production/wastage, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Anthelmintics, Parasite control, Parasites - internal, Growth/development, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: New Zealand beef cattle numbers have dwindled from 6.7 million head in 1975 to 4.4 million in 1983. A decline in sheep and cattle farm profitability has been an influential factor. A compensatory factor however, has been the increased utilization of 2-3 month old dairy beef calves which may be purchased for considerably less capital outlay than beef weaners (7-8 months old) and which also fulfil a demand for lean beef production. The integration of dairy beef calves into intensive sheep systems requires a reassessment of management methods by farmers more familiar with traditional beef breeds. It was in this context that an evaluation was made of an autumn liveweight response to implantations of 36 mg zeranol (Ralgro International Minerals & Chemical Corporation, USA) and/or treatment with 5 mg/kg oxfendazole (Systemex Coopers Animal Health NZ Limited, Upper Hutt, New Zealand) in Friesian weaner steers grazing a Hawkes Bay hill country sheep farm (12 stock units per hectare). The trial commenced on 22/03/84 when 100, 8-9 month old steers were randomised into four groups of 25 cattle on a liveweight basis. Groups A and C were implanted with zeranol; Groups B and C were drenched with oxfendazole; Group D were untreated controls. Ten cattle per group were selected at random for faecal sampling…

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