
31/07/2025
❓Do your young stock need a spring drench?❓
Strategic drenching of cattle will reduce the risk of developing drench resistance and greatly reduce the number of times stock need drenching. Both spring and autumn calves and heifers should have had a winter drench in May / June but may need a strategic drench in August / September if worm pick up has been high - but only if they are showing signs of scouring or weight loss and have elevated faecal egg counts (FEC).
As there are many causes of scouring and weight loss in young stock, getting a FEC done before you do spring drench is sensible. Simply drop a pooled faecal sample (5 – 6 g of manure from 5 – 10 animals mixed in a single bag) into the clinic and you will have a result in a few hours.
We always recommend dual active drenches to minimise the risk of the emergence of resistant worms with the best option in young stock often being Dectomax V (Dormoectin and Levamisole).
If you have cattle in a liver fluke area – a fluke drench in August or September is essential to remove any remaining adult fluke before summer. The choice of fluke drench will depend on the type of stock (dairy vs beef), resistance issues and handling facilities – have a chat to one of our vets if you are unsure about your options.
Pick up a Dectomax Victory Pack (6 x 500 ml Dectomax V + Gun) for the special price of $900 (inc GST) during August and September.