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Cooperia punctata: effect on cattle productivity?
Bert E Stromberg1, Louis C Gasbarre, Audie Waite
1College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 1971 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. b-stro@umn.edu
Veterinary Parasitology
|August 9, 2011
Summary
Cooperia punctata infection significantly reduced weight gain and feed intake in feedlot calves. Macrocyclic lactone treatments showed limited efficacy, while benzimidazoles were effective against this parasite.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Cooperia spp. are increasingly prevalent parasites in US cattle operations.
- Widespread use of macrocyclic lactones has led to reduced efficacy against these parasites.
- The impact of Cooperia spp. on cattle productivity remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of Cooperia punctata infection on cattle productivity in a feedlot setting.
- To evaluate the anthelmintic sensitivity of the Cooperia isolate used in the study.
Main Methods:
- Two hundred yearling calves were divided into infected and control groups.
- Infected calves were orally inoculated with Cooperia punctata larvae.
- Data collected included fecal egg counts, weight gain, and feed consumption over 60 days.
- Anthelmintic sensitivity was tested using macrocyclic lactone and benzimidazole treatments.
Main Results:
- Cooperia-infected calves exhibited 7.5% lower weight gain and consumed 1.5 lb less feed daily compared to controls.
- Histological examination revealed increased mesenteric lymph node size and intestinal mucosal changes in infected animals.
- Macrocyclic lactone treatment showed poor efficacy (FECRT=8.8%), while benzimidazole treatment was highly effective (FECRT=98.1%).
Conclusions:
- Cooperia punctata infection significantly impairs cattle weight gain and feed intake.
- The Cooperia isolate demonstrated resistance to macrocyclic lactones but susceptibility to benzimidazoles.
- Findings highlight the economic impact of Cooperia spp. and the need for effective parasite control strategies.
