The campaign aims to demonstrate the direct link between proactive parasite management and flock performance, while also providing tools for vets to engage farmers in conversations around worm control on-farm.
Fiona Hutchings (pictured), ruminant technical manager at Elanco Animal Health, said: “The Better Butt campaign encourages vets and farmers to work together to strategically plan mid- to late-season break doses and quarantine treatments, using the newer group wormers, such as Zolvix, to minimise worm burdens and support healthy growth.”
Fiona says the campaign advises farmers to move away from solely relying on visible signs of worm burdens before taking action, because lamb performance has already been compromised by the time visible signs are present: “Even the best stockman, or experienced sheep person, will struggle to spot an early worm burden, and by the time it’s visible, the burden is usually high.”
“Reductions of up to 50% in growth rates can occur before visible symptoms appear1, resulting in extended finishing times and higher feed demands.”
The campaign uses a traffic light system to help farmers understand worm burden impacts and encourages treatment interventions when animals tip into the amber zone.
“When lambs have a low worm burden, they’re in what we call the green zone, which means they have enough energy for both maintenance and growth.
“However, when this burden increases and they tip into the amber zone, this is when you’ll start noticing changes in the time taken for lambs to finish as worms begin to damage the gut meaning the lambs can’t utilise their feed as well.”
Fiona added: “Many sheep farmers are already doing a brilliant job of managing their stock, but we want to show them that there could be an opportunity to unlock more potential from their flock.”
https://farmanimal.elanco.com/en_gb/sheep/sheep-worms/zolvix-worth-every-penny
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