05/02/06 The IVOMEC Plus Challenge

American Rancher May 2, 2006 Merial has announced the return of a program that encourages producers to put a spring deworming program to the test. The IVOMEC Plus Challenge gives producers in eight states a first hand look at the benefits of treating cattle for parasites, including liver flukes, in the spring, Among the producers eligible are those in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana. Veterinarian Dr. James Hawkins says liver flukes have been identified by the National Beef Quality Audit as one of the top 10 issues facing the cattle industry. Hawkins: ""Most of the time with liver flukes there's no obvious clinical sign. The cattle do not look like they're sick. The only thing that's different about the herd is that their production is not as good as it could be. So, if you treat for flukes you can see increased weaning weights of the calves, you can see better body condition in the cows, you'll see higher pregnancy rates." To be eligible for the IVOMEC Plus Challenge producers must purchase IVOMEC Plus before May 15th and treat all cows and calves this spring. Cattle producers will then compare their fall 2006 weaning weights with those in 2005. If the difference in weight gain multiplied by the calf prices is less than the cost of the treatment, Merial will provide IVOMEC Plus or IVOMEC Pour-on, equal to the spring purchase for a fall treatment. I'm Bob Hoff.