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By Dr. Ibne Ali, IMN PyrophosUpdated October 20264 min read
Deworming kaise karein?

Deworming in Buffaloes, Cattle and Goats

Deworming, that is, removing worms, is very important in livestock management, especially in India for cattle, buffaloes and goats. Internal parasites such as gastrointestinal nematodes, flukes and protozoa threaten animal health, productivity and farm profitability. In this article we give complete information about deworming, including the losses caused by internal parasites, the regional epidemiology of different worms, and the brands of drugs available for deworming.

1. Losses Caused by Internal Parasites

Internal parasites, such as stomach worms, flukes and protozoa, cause major losses in livestock farming. These parasites affect animals in the following ways:

  • Reduced growth rates: Parasites prevent nutrients from being absorbed, which stunts the growth of young animals.
  • Reduced milk production: In dairy cattle and buffaloes, parasitic infections can reduce milk yield by up to 20%, because energy goes into fighting the infection.
  • Reduced reproductive efficiency: Parasites cause poor body condition, which lowers conception rates and lengthens calving intervals.
  • Increased mortality: Severe infestations can be fatal, especially in young or weak animals.

In India, the economic impact is very large:

  • In dairy cattle and buffaloes, internal parasites can reduce milk yield by 10-20%.
  • In goats, weight gain can fall by 30% or more, and mortality rates can rise, especially in kids, for example from heavy infestations of Haemonchus contortus.

These losses highlight the importance of regular deworming.

2. Regional Epidemiology of Internal Parasites

India’s diverse climate and management practices influence the prevalence and types of internal parasites. Understanding regional epidemiology is essential for effective deworming strategies.

Cattle and Buffaloes

  • Gastrointestinal Nematodes: Common parasites include Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm), Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia species. These worms thrive in warm, humid conditions, such as the Northeast, coastal areas (Kerala, West Bengal) and central India (Madhya Pradesh).
  • Liver Flukes: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are more common in regions with standing water or prone to floods, such as the Gangetic plains and coastal areas.
  • Coccidia: Protozoan parasites such as Eimeria species are common in intensive farming systems, especially in calves and young stock.

Goats

  • Haemonchus contortus: This is the most significant parasite in goats, especially in humid and sub-humid regions. Goats are more susceptible because of their browsing behaviour.
  • Other Nematodes: Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum and Strongyloides species are also common, especially in communal grazing areas.
  • Coccidia: Coccidiosis is a concern in young goats, especially on crowded or poorly managed farms.

Because of regional differences, tailored deworming programmes are necessary. High-humidity areas may need frequent deworming, while in drier regions strategic deworming in specific seasons may be enough.

3. Deworming Strategies

Effective deworming requires understanding the parasite life cycle, regional epidemiology and the animal’s production stage. The key strategies are:

Timing of Deworming

  • Rainy Season: Parasite transmission peaks during the monsoon. It is important to deworm before and after the rainy season.
  • Pre-breeding and Pre-parturition: Deworming cows and buffaloes before breeding or calving ensures better reproductive efficiency and healthier offspring.
  • Young Animals: Calves, kids and lambs are more susceptible and may need more frequent deworming.

Targeted Deworming

  • FAMACHA System: Especially for goats, this system assesses anaemia levels by checking the colour of the conjunctiva. Only animals with heavy infestation are dewormed.
  • Fecal Egg Count (FEC): Regular FEC monitoring determines the parasite load and guides deworming decisions.

Rotational Deworming

  • To prevent drug resistance, it is necessary to rotate dewormers with different modes of action.

4. Available Deworming Drugs and Brands

Many deworming drugs are available in India, each targeting specific parasites. The choice of drug depends on the parasite species, the type of animal and regional resistance patterns.

Common Dewormers

  • Benzimidazoles:
  • Albendazole: Effective against roundworms, tapeworms and some flukes.
  • Fenbendazole: Broad-spectrum, against gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms.
  • Brands: Alzol by Virbac, Fentas by Intas, Panacur by Zoetis.
  • Macrocyclic Lactones:
  • Ivermectin: Effective against nematodes and ectoparasites.
  • Moxidectin: Longer-acting than ivermectin.
  • Brands: Ivomec by Virbac, Hitek by Intas, Cydectin by Zoetis.
  • Imidazothiazoles:
  • Levamisole: Effective against gastrointestinal and lung nematodes.
  • Brands: Levamisole by Intas, Levasole by Virbac.
  • Combination Drugs:
  • Albendazole + Ivermectin: Targets a broader range of parasites.
  • Brands: Albomar Plus by Virbac, Fentas Plus by Intas.

Drug Administration

  • Oral Drench: Common for small ruminants such as goats and sheep.
  • Injectable: Preferred for cattle and buffaloes, especially for macrocyclic lactones.
  • Bolus: For slow-release formulations in large animals.

It is important to follow veterinary advice to avoid underdosing, which can increase drug resistance.

5. Challenges and Recommendations

  • Drug Resistance: Overuse and misuse have increased resistance, especially in goats. To combat this:
  • Rotate dewormers with different modes of action.
  • Use targeted deworming based on FAMACHA or FEC.
  • Ensure accurate weight-based dosing.
  • Regional Variability: Farmers should work with local veterinarians to understand specific parasite risks.
  • Integrated Parasite Management (IPM): Combine deworming with pasture management, rotational grazing and nutritional support.

6. Conclusion

Deworming is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of cattle, buffaloes and goats. Internal parasites cause significant economic losses, especially in high-risk regions. By understanding regional parasite epidemiology and using appropriate deworming strategies—such as targeted treatment, rotational deworming and proper drug selection—farmers can reduce losses and improve farm profitability. Collaboration with veterinarians and regular monitoring of parasite burden are key to sustainable parasite management.

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