Autumn Dosing Guide: Fluke, Worms & Minerals for Your Herd
As summer draws to a close and cattle and sheep come in off grass, autumn is one of the most important times of year to get your dosing programme right. Getting on top of fluke, worms and mineral deficiencies now will set your herd up for a healthy winter.
Liver Fluke
Late summer and autumn are peak risk periods for liver fluke in Ireland, particularly after wet summers. Fluke picked up on pasture during July and August will be maturing by October and November. Treat cattle and sheep with a flukicide effective against immature fluke — products containing triclabendazole are effective at this stage. Always consult your vet for the right product and withdrawal periods.
Worm Control
Before housing, it's good practice to dose cattle for gut worms, particularly youngstock in their first grazing season. Products containing ivermectin or doramectin are commonly used. Sheep should also be checked and dosed as appropriate — use a faecal egg count to guide your decision and avoid unnecessary treatments.
Minerals
Autumn grass can be low in key minerals including copper, selenium and iodine. Signs of deficiency include poor thrive, dull coats and reproductive issues. Options include:
- Injectable minerals (fastest acting)
- Boluses (slow release over weeks)
- In-feed mineral supplements
Speak to your vet or animal health advisor to identify what your herd needs based on your area and previous history.
Products Available at CFS
Country Farm Supplies stocks a wide range of animal health products including flukicides, wormers, mineral boluses and injectable supplements from trusted brands including Norbrook, MSD Animal Health and Zoetis. Browse our Animal Health range or contact us for advice.
