Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Article Title

Best Management Practices for Internal Parasite Control in Small Ruminants

Authors

Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland Eastern ShoreFollow
Enrique Nelson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Abstract

Abstract

Internal parasites represent a significant obstacle to a profitable and sustainable US goat industry. In some states, internal parasites are a year-round problem, while in others, they are a more seasonal challenge. Traditionally, parasite control methods relied heavily on antiparasitic drugs called anthelmintics or dewormers. Continued use and misuse of these drugs have resulted in increasingly resistant worm populations, necessitating more holistic or integrated methods of parasite control. A combination of practices will usually be necessary to achieve a satisfactory level of control. This paper discusses best management practices for controlling internal parasites in small ruminants, including pasture and grazing management, nutrition, zero grazing, and genetic selection, targeted selective treatment (TST), bioactive forages (e.g., sericea lespedeza) and copper oxide wire particles. Because the judicious use of anthelmintics is essential to effective parasite control, the paper additionally discusses the proper use of antiparasitic drugs, including how to measure and manage drug resistance.

Keywords: Best Management Practices, Internal Parasites, Parasite Control, Small Ruminants

Recommended Citation

Schoenian, Susan and Nelson, Enrique (2019) "Best Management Practices for Internal Parasite Control in Small Ruminants," Professional Agricultural Workers Journal: Vol. 6: No. 2, 8.
Available at: https://tuspubs.tuskegee.edu/pawj/vol6/iss2/8