Killer pastures
One of the most challenging problems facing the owners of livestock, and small ruminants in particular, is that of internal parasites like barber pole worms.
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At one time, we thought this problem was a thing of the past when anthelmintic drugs like fenbendazole and ivermectin were developed. However, this reprieve was short-lived as parasites soon developed resistance to these new tools. Some innovative producers are now turning to nature’s way of reducing internal parasite burdens on their livestock: Grazing management that reduces parasite infestation, and using pasture plants that contain compounds that are antagonistic to the worms.