Niamh explains that calves have no immunity to parasites when they are turned out to grass.

Gutworms and Lungworms are the main parasites the challenge calves at grass.

Symptoms of a gutworm burden include loose faeces, ill thrift and low growth rates. Niamh recommends that farmers alternate calf paddocks from year to year because gutworm eggs can survive over winter.

Symptoms of a gutworm burden include coughing and in severe cases pneumonia.

Niamh recommends that farmer carry out faecal sampling to monitor the number of eggs (gutworm) and larvae (lungworm) and consult with your local vet to identify the appropriate product and rate of treamtents.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/top-5-tips-to-reduce-parasite-issues-with-dairy-calves.php

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/