Application Methods for Cattle and Sheep

There are a variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle. Each product is formulated to ensure that the application method will transfer the chemical to the correct location of animal body, which will affect the target parasite, e.g. direct contact via the skin or uptake as the parasite ingests host blood, plasma or tissue. More options are available for treating external parasites (flies, ticks, lice and mites) than internal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms and flukes). The different application methods are listed below.

Methods to treat cattle against flies

1. Ear tags
2. Pour-on
3. Spray
4. Dip
5. Backrubber

Choosing an application method

In addition to cost, the decision process should include:

• Maximum efficiency in killing the targeted parasite(s).
• Accuracy and consistency of applying the required dose.
• Avoid affecting non-target parasites.
• Labour requirement and efficiency.
• Minimise physical input.
• Be easy to administer (advanced training not required).
• Available infrastructure and equipment.
• Have a low human safety risk.
• Have a low environmental risk.

Example

Oral drenching has been around for a long time. It is a heavy physical job requiring cattle holding infrastructure such as yards, raceways, head bailing equipment and a degree of skill. Alternatives include pour-on and subcutaneous injection. The first may result in less accurate dosing, the second may require a higher degree of skill.

Chemical actives will vary in their effect on the different parasite groups depending on their formulation and application method. For help in selecting a product to treat specific parasites use this link: