Deworming means removing worms from the digestive system, particularly from the stomach, intestine and liver. Deworming makes the animal more resistant to diseases. It helps the animal grow faster, perform better and produce better milk, meat and eggs.
Symptoms of worm infestation
1. Animal lacks vigor.
2. Poor appetite.
3. Decrease in body weight
4. It shows diarrhoea with mucus, blood or worms.
5. It eats soil or other organic matters.
6. Rough hair coat.
7. Anemia.
Parasites affects the animals by:
1. Absorbing digested nutrients.
2. Sucking blood.
3. Causing mechanical obstruction, destroying tissue and by secreting toxins.
Preventing worm infestation in animals
1. Proper nutrition.
2. Avoid overstocking.
3. pasture rotation.
4. Avoid keeping several types of livestock together (e.g., goats and cattle).
5. Observe cleanliness.
6. Do not deworm animals that are weak, sick, pregnant and lactating animals
Common internal parasites
1. Roundworms/ascaris,
2. Tapeworms,
3. liver flukes (Leaf-shaped worms) , Amphistomes etc.,
Characteristics of a good dewormer
1. It will not easily cause poisoning
2. It can kill various worms.
3. It is easy to administer.
4. It is economical.
5. It stays in the tissues for a short period of time.
Guidelines for a deworming program
1. Identify the kind of worm present.
2. Deworm the animals regularly.
3. Improve grazing management.
Type
Deworming Plan
- Liver Flukes
Twice a year in an endemic year.
- Round Worms
After birth, first dose at 10 days. Thrice a year with monthly interval up to 6 months.
- Tape Worms
Twice a year. (Jan and June)