Evaluation of the Productivity of a Single Subcutaneous Injection of LongRange in Stocker Calves Compared With a Positive (Dectomax) and a Negative (Saline) Control

Authors

A. C. Vesco, Kansas State UniversityFollow
A. K. Sexten, Kansas State UniversityFollow
C. S. Weibert, Kansas State UniversityFollow
B. E. Oleen, Kansas State UniversityFollow
W. R. Hollenbeck, Kansas State UniversityFollow
L C. Grimes, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Dale Blasi, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

anthelmintic, parasites, flies

Abstract

Subclinical parasitism is commonly observed in stocker cattle. Treatment of internal parasites helps to improve weight gains, feed conversion, and immune status and decreases morbidity and mortality of beef cattle (Hawkins, 1993). Some of the most concerning classes of internal parasites includeCooperia,Haemonchus, andOstertagia. Commonly used anthelmintics come in the form of pour-ons, oral drenches, and subcutaneous injections. A majority of these drugs are designed to be administered in a single dose and provide defense against stomach worms for approximately 14 to 42 days, but the typical grazing season lasts for approximately 120 days. For grazing cattle to have season-long protection from parasites, they may require a second dose of anthelmintic treatment, which would require cattle to be gathered and processed through a chute in the middle of the grazing season. LongRange (Merial, Duluth, GA) is the first single-dose extended release anthelmintic that provides approximately 100 to 150 days of protection. This is accomplished by combining two forms of the active ingredient: one that is released into the blood immediately after injection and a second that consists of a slow-release polymer that releases the active ingredient gradually throughout the grazing period. The objective of this study was to measure body weight productivity, fecal egg counts, and fly repellent capabilities of LongRange when administered once subcutaneously at 1.0 mg/kg body weight as a long-acting solution compared with a commercially available injectable (Dectomax; Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ) and saline in stocker cattle.

Recommended Citation

Vesco, A. C.; Sexten, A. K.; Weibert, C. S.; Oleen, B. E.; Hollenbeck, W. R.; Grimes, L C.; and Blasi, Dale (2015) "Evaluation of the Productivity of a Single Subcutaneous Injection of LongRange in Stocker Calves Compared With a Positive (Dectomax) and a Negative (Saline) Control," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 1: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1018