Effective cattle drench programs are essential for maintaining herd health and production in Queensland. Getting the timing, product selection, and technique right makes the difference between a program that works and one that accelerates resistance.
When Should You Drench Cattle?
Unlike sheep, cattle are generally more resilient to worm burdens. Strategic drenching is preferred over calendar-based programs. Key trigger points include:
- Weaners and yearlings — highest risk group, drench at weaning and monitor closely
- After prolonged wet seasons when larval contamination is high
- Cows in late pregnancy or early lactation when immunity is suppressed
- Before moving cattle to clean pasture
- When FAMACHA scores or dung egg counts indicate high burdens
Choosing the Right Drench
Cattle drenches fall into several chemical classes. Rotating between classes is essential for resistance management:
- Macrocyclic lactones (ML) — ivermectin, doramectin, eprinomectin. Broad spectrum, effective against most worms and ectoparasites.
- Benzimidazoles — albendazole, fenbendazole. Effective against arrested larvae.
- Levamisole — good resistance-busting option where ML resistance is confirmed.
- Combination products — Cydectin Plus, Genesis Ultra. Cover multiple classes in one application.
Drench Technique Matters
Under-dosing is one of the main drivers of drench resistance. Always weigh a representative sample of cattle and dose to the heaviest animal in the mob. Use a calibrated drench gun and check delivery regularly. Browse our Drenching & Injection Equipment to ensure your equipment is accurate.
Shop Cattle Drenches at TGRM
TGRM stocks Cydectin, Genesis Ultra, Ivomec, Dectomax, Panacur and more in our Cattle Drench range. Our team can help you build a resistance management program suited to your operation. Delivered Australia-wide from Gympie QLD.
Related reading: Setting Up a Sheep Drench Resistance Program | Common Q&A for Queensland Farmers