Parasite resistance is becoming more of a problem over time

Farmers should particularly note the active ingredient in a product if they feel its effectiveness is reduced before switching to an alternative, expert advises

Definitely now that the grazing season is in full swing, gut and stomach worms are going to start building up.

It’s a good time, six to eight weeks after turnout, to do a faecal egg count for calves that are raised without a dam, such as dairy beef animals, said veterinary epidemiologist Dr Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland, speaking to Catherine Egan on a recent edition of Teagasc’s The Beef Edge podcast.

The level of parasite infestation can be assessed via the test. “Suckler calves probably don’t need to be monitored too closely until the end of the season, as we’re coming into autumn."