Organic Wormer?

[mysticokra]

Is there a product that qualifies as an Organic wormer for cattle?
If not, how do the organic guys deal with the issue. I understand using MIG to break the parasite cyle, but that doesn't really address the issue of what to do when you figure out the cow needs worming.

I have been told that Cydectin doesn't kill the dung beetles, which at least seems like a good start.

Thanks.

[mihal]

http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/36657/...ine/13069.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/london/orgfar...-for-livestock

Note the statement in the second link that grazing sheep and cattle together seems to reduce intestinal parasites. I would like to know more about the reasons behind that.

[Valmai]

mihal That link doesnt give enough info to comment on exactly how that person manages grazing. I graze rotationally so under optimal conditions this is how I do it. Cows go in first when the grass is longest and are moved to the next paddock after 3 weeks, the sheep follow for 3 weeks then the horses. The reason for this type of grazing is because the worms of each species does not affect the other species. If the cows have worms which drop onto the pasture these worms will not survivie if eaten by the sheep. By the time the cows come back to the first pasture any cow worms would have died and the cows will not be reinfected.
BTW. Not a lot of people agree with me but... I dont worry about my animals having some worms, in fact I believe they need some worms to maintain good health. It is a worm burden which causes illthrift.

[JeffNY]

For a preventative, there are things. But if an animal has them, visibilty you can see it, nothing organic will do a thing. I read about this, and diatamecious (sp) earth will not cure an animal with a case of worms, rather it is a preventative, and it has to be fed every day.



Jeff

[mihal]

Originally Posted by JeffNY

For a preventative, there are things. But if an animal has them, visibilty you can see it, nothing organic will do a thing. I read about this, and diatamecious (sp) earth will not cure an animal with a case of worms, rather it is a preventative, and it has to be fed every day.

Jeff

It looks like there are several formulations using gentian root (grows wild here) and wormwood. For instance:

http://fiascofarm.com/goats/wormers.htm
http://www.homoeopet.co.uk/fourseasons.htm

It also seems that dosage and composition is tricky:

http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/36657/...ine/13069.html

At the very worst, certain herbal combinations can act to expel worms by making their environment less friendly.

[Tiffin]

Does anyone use chickens in paddock after the cows leave? We rotate cows per Vet every 28 days and heard that chickens will break up manure and eat the insects. Haven't tried it yet as our chickens are still too small to free range.

[Up North]

Mysticokra, I just read this article yesterday in "The Stockman Grassfarmer" It was written by an organic vet. It's titled "Prevention is the key to solving organic animal health problems." She said Ivermectin is cleared for certified organic use in brood cows in emergency situtations. However, Ivermectin will kill dung beetles. She said that Cydectin works just as well but will not kill the dung beetles. She writes that garlic, epazote, African basil, Holy basil and Gentian herbs work good on internal parasites. Sorry I don't have any personal experience with the organic aspect of things but I am trying to learn. We use Cydectin on our animals and like the results. I was glad to read it doesn't kill dung beetles.

Tiffin, in this same article it says that chickens are the best tool for fly control. I haven't personally rotated chickens through my pasture buy I have read from many different sources that this is an effective tool in mananging pests in the pasture. It's on my "To Do" list for things to try.

Anyways, good article for a person beginning to learn about going organic and I would recomend reading it.

Heather

[Valmai]

My chickens havn't migrated to the cow paddocks (yet) but they certainly scratch and spread the horse poo. I've seen them come arunnin' when a horse lifts its tail. I can even see the look of disapointment on their beaks when its just a f**t.

[mysticokra]

Originally Posted by Up North

Mysticokra, I just read this article yesterday in "The Stockman Grassfarmer" It was written by an organic vet. It's titled "Prevention is the key to solving organic animal health problems." She said Ivermectin is cleared for certified organic use in brood cows in emergency situtations. However, Ivermectin will kill dung beetles. She said that Cydectin works just as well but will not kill the dung beetles. She writes that garlic, epazote, African basil, Holy basil and Gentian herbs work good on internal parasites. Sorry I don't have any personal experience with the organic aspect of things but I am trying to learn. We use Cydectin on our animals and like the results. I was glad to read it doesn't kill dung beetles.

Tiffin, in this same article it says that chickens are the best tool for fly control. I haven't personally rotated chickens through my pasture buy I have read from many different sources that this is an effective tool in mananging pests in the pasture. It's on my "To Do" list for things to try.

Anyways, good article for a person beginning to learn about going organic and I would recomend reading it.

Heather

My issue was sitting on my desk, unread. Thanks for pointing me to the article. What a gem.

By the way, my chickens just look at me when I try to put them in the cow pasture. Maybe dung digging is an acquired taste?

Does anyone know where I could order dung beetles?
I would like to jump start the process.