Field Monitoring of Beef Cattle Internal Parasite Burden

Scope of Work This in-field project will entail obtaining fresh fecal samples from beef cattle operations for determining the prevalence of internal parasites and evaluate the effectiveness of products used to reduce fecal egg shedding. Growing evidence indicates that commercially available anthelmintics are becoming less effective as internal parasites are becoming resistant to these products. Resistance is defined by most parasitologists as having less than 90% reduction in fecal egg shedding. County-based extension staff and UK personnel (graduate student) will coordinate the collection of fecal samples from beef cattle farms in Kentucky. A total of 60-80 groups of beef cows, heifers and calves will be assessed by collecting freshly excreted fecal samples (n=20 per location) using provided sample kits. Samples will be collected in the spring and fall on the same farms on days 0 and 14 post treatment with an anthelmintic. Fresh samples will be placed in a cooler with ice, taken back to cool overnight in a refrigerator. Sample kits will be mailed on the next Monday or Tuesday to the private lab who is contracted to perform the fecal egg floats and counts. Fecal egg count data will be sent from the private lab to the PI. Data will be analyzed and a final report will be provided to the sponsor. Information will be shared with beef cattle producers and presented at a scientific meeting.