Sheep like this St. Croix breed
could benefit from research to use copper oxide to control internal
parasites.Click the image for more information about it.
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Copper Oxide Effective Against Nematodes in Small
Ruminants
By Jim
Core November 18, 2004
Using copper oxide wire particles to control internal parasites in
small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, is safe and effective when two grams
or less are used.
Thats according to a study by the
Agricultural Research Service (ARS),
Louisiana
State University (LSU), Fort Valley State
University in Georgia, and other participants in the
Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant
Parasite Control. The researchers are studying alternatives to conventional
treatments for nematode infections because of growing parasite resistance to
chemical de- wormers.
Joan M.
Burke, an animal scientist with the ARS
Dale Bumpers Small Farm Research
Center in Booneville, Ark., wants to determine optimal strategies to reduce
nematode infection in sheep and goats. Copper oxide wire particles are used
overseas in sheep and goats to alleviate mineral deficiencies, but that problem
doesnt exist here. However, the researchers theorized that copper
supplements could improve the immune system, creating a less desirable
environment for parasites.
Burke and cooperators used copper wire to find the optimal doses for
controlling infections of Haemonchus contortus, commonly called barber pole
worm, in hair sheep. The treatments must be restricted in order to avoid copper
toxicity. They found no signs of copper toxicity at any dose tested (up to 6
grams).
Burkes colleague James E. Miller, a veterinarian at LSU,
recently found success with as little as one-half gram of wire particles for at
least a four-week period, resulting in a 60 to 90 percent nematode reduction.
Such a small dosage may allow more frequent treatments, especially during the
infestation season.
The USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Services Sustainable Agriculture Research
and Education (SARE) program provided partial funding for this research.
According to Burke, future studies will include doses of two grams or
less. In the meantime, producers should consult a veterinarian for de-worming
advice.
ARS is the
U.S. Department of Agricultures chief
scientific research agency.