Raising Highland cattle is a rewarding experience, but keeping them healthy requires a strategic approach to parasite control. Worming your Highland cattle by season is crucial because different parasites thrive in different conditions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to a seasonal deworming schedule tailored for Highland cattle.
Spring Worming (March–May)
Spring is the most critical time for worming. As temperatures rise and grass grows, parasite eggs become active. Treat all cattle in early spring with a broad-spectrum wormer effective against roundworms, lungworms, and tapeworms. For calves born in spring, administer a first dose at 6–8 weeks of age.
Summer Worming (June–August)
Summer pastures are high risk for re-infection. A mid-summer treatment is recommended, especially for young stock and lactating cows. Use a wormer that targets gutworms and lungworms. Rotate pastures if possible to break the parasite lifecycle. Avoid overuse of the same chemical class to prevent resistance.
Fall Worming (September–November)
Fall deworming helps reduce the overwintering burden. Treat all animals before housing or when grass growth slows. Focus on tapeworms and roundworms. A combination wormer that flukes may be needed if liver flukes are a local problem. Test feces to identify specific parasites.
Winter Worming (December–February)
Winter usually sees low worm activity, but housed cattle can be at risk from residual parasites. A single treatment in early winter is sufficient for most herds. Use a product that kills inhibited stages of parasites. Maintain good hygiene in bedding and feeding areas.
Additional Tips
- Always weigh cattle accurately to dose correctly.
- Rotate wormer classes annually to slow resistance.
- Conduct fecal egg counts (FECs) 10–14 days after treatment to check efficacy.
- Quarantine new animals and treat them twice (14 days apart) before introducing.
Following this seasonal schedule will keep your Highland cattle healthy, productive, and free from heavy parasite loads. Adjust timing based on your local climate and farm history.
