Know management practices to control parasites

9.4 Know management practices to control parasites.

Immature parasites and eggs can often survive for long periods in the environment. This is especially true if the environment is moist, dark, and dirty. However, immature parasites and eggs can usually be killed by sunlight, heating or drying.

The following management practices help control internal parasites  Keeping pens clean, dry, and exposed to sunlight  Keeping babies and mothers separate from other animals and on the cleanest, least used (by animals) land.

 Putting water and food in troughs or mangers where animals cannot defecate.

 Giving parasite medicine regularly to all animals as well as to mothers before giving birth and during lactation.

 Keeping animals away from wet, swampy areas.

 Moving the animals to different pens or pastures every 1-2 months (called "pasture or pen rotation").

Example of pasture rotation: Animals graze on 1 pasture for 1-2 months and then are moved or "rotated" to a new one. The other 3 pastures remain empty for 3-6 months. During this time, parasites die from exposure to sunlight and drying, and the grass is able to grow properly.