Parasite Control Options for Cattle in Hawaii

Most cattle harbor internal parasites. Parasitic in­ fections cost the U.S. beef industry more than $3 billion in economic losses due to reduced weight gain and feed conversion and increased stress leading to in­ creased susceptibility to diseases. Parasite populations and levels of infection are influenced by environmental factors and the production and management systems. In Hawaii, the subtropical/tropical environment creates a habitat suitable for the proliferation of these “profit-rob­ bing” internal parasites. We conducted trials to evaluate new parasite con­ trol products and formulations. The trials were carried out at a stocker-to-finish operation located in a humid, lowland ecological zone. The major forage in the inten­ sive grazing management system is California grass (Brachiaria mutica). Trial 1. Evaluation of dewormer application methods