SoliPar

Parasite control is essential in livestock farming.

Parasitism is costly. Sometimes directly, but especially indirectly through reduced feed efficiency, growth retardation, the weakening of animals it causes, and also the medication expenses it imposes.

Cattle, sheep, and goats are all affected. Many parasite species are common to all three species.

The effects of parasitism can be classified into three main categories:

- Reduced growth of animals on pasture: This is the primary effect of digestive strongyles. Strongyles are responsible for alterations to the rumen wall that decrease the number of papillae. As a result, a significant part of the ration is not absorbed, and cattle do not fully benefit from their feed. However, pasturing is the period during which animal growth is maximized: for heifers (to allow them to be bred without delay), for weaned calves and fattening animals (because it is inexpensive growth).

- A deleterious effect on organs: This is for example the case of the large liver fluke when it settles in the liver. Liver function is then disrupted. The consequences are a degradation of milk production and poor quality colostrum. This leads to lower milk payments and calves born unable to defend themselves.

- Dramatic consequences when not controlled: This is, for example, what sometimes happens during massive infestation by paramphistomes, a rumen parasite capable of causing death.

Understanding the development cycles allows for a well-reasoned grazing plan and only treating when necessary. Thus, healthy animals placed on healthy and extensive pasture do not need to be treated.

Parasitic cycles require a succession of development phases in the grass and in the animals. In some cases, such as the large liver fluke, the small liver fluke, or paramphistomes, passage through an intermediate host is essential. By adapting pasture rotations to break the direct re-infestations of animals, it is possible to minimize or even eliminate treatments.

For about ten years now, the role played by immunity in rumen balance has been better understood. Parasite management strategies no longer aim solely to eliminate parasites but to "learn" to live with them.

SOLIPAR effectively controls parasites. Depending on the breeds and environmental needs, a deworming or preventive treatment can be implemented, from once a year to 1-2 times a month, depending on the specific needs of the herd.