Beware parasite risk for dairy-cross calves

Fluke egg counts may be carried out when calves are at grass for more than 12 weeks.

Calves should be kept on low-risk pasture, such as new or reseeded pastures.

Dairy calves have no immunity to parasites, and are at risk of sub-clinical and clinical disease. Suckler calves, however, are initially at lower risk of parasite infestation due to their milk diet and limited grass intake.

Dairy-bred calves may now have been at grass for five to six weeks. Despite the poor weather, lungworm and gut worm exposure may result in the requirement for treatment for these animals at this stage of the year, advises Alan Dillon, DairyBeef 500 campaign co-ordinator.