Effect of a single strategically timed dose of fenbendazole on cow and calf performance

A 168-day study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a strategically timed treatment with fenbendazole on anthelmintic efficacy and performance of beef cows and calves. Eight groups of 10 Angus cow/calf pairs were alloted on 7 May 1987 to eight similarly managed 4.86-ha pastures (bermudagrass/tall fescue) on the basis of cow age, and calf sex and weight. At that time, four groups of cows received a dose of fenbendazole (5 mg kg−1) with their calves receiving fenbendazole at the same dosage 28 days later. Treated calf average daily gain (ADG) was 0.04 kg greater (P < 0.05) than control calves (0.82 vs. 0.78 kg) during the 168-day study. Treated cow ADG was 0.09 kg greater (P < 0.05) than control cows (0.40 vs. 0.31 kg). Although there was a reduction (P < 0.05) in fecal egg counts following treatment of the cows, the numbers of eggs generally were low compared with egg counts of calves. From Day 28 through Day 112 post-treatment, fecal egg counts of treated calves were lower (P < 0.05) than those of control calves. However, fecal egg counts from treated calves increased post-treatment until there were no differences (P > 0.05) between treated and control calves at the end of the study. The pregnancy rate tended to be higher (P = 0.12) for treated cows (98%) than for untreated control cows (75%). The actual calving rate was higher (P = 0.03) for treated cows (90%) than for untreated control cows (68%). Results indicated that a strategic anthelmintic treatment can improve cow and calf performance, but that calves born in late winter or early spring may need more than one therapeutic dose during the nursing period on pasture.