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A Smarter Deworming Strategy for Bigger Returns
Internal parasites cost the cattle industry millions every year, and most of that loss is hidden — reduced appetite, slower gains, weaker immune function, and lower reproductive efficiency. For years, the standard recommendation was simple: use a single dewormer and rotate active ingredients every season. But as parasite resistance has grown, producers have started asking an important question:
Is a single product still enough?
A recently completed Mississippi State University (MSU) trial helps answer that question. The study took a hard look at how different deworming strategies affect calf performance, and the findings were clear:
Calves treated with a dual‑mode deworming approach outperformed those given a single product — significantly.
Why Parasite Control Is Changing
Gastrointestinal parasites have been adapting to decades of dewormer use. Single‑active products still reduce loads, but many no longer deliver the kind of “cleanout” that producers expect. The consequence is simple:
This pattern has already been documented in multiple regions across the U.S., including cow‑calf operations with long histories of responsible product use.
Enter the concept of dual deworming — using two products with different modes of action at the same time (e.g., an injectable macrocyclic lactone paired with a benzimidazole or a pour‑on). The goal isn’t to use “more.” It’s to use smarter tools that target parasites in two different ways, reducing survival and slowing resistance.
Inside the MSU Trial: What They Studied
The Mississippi State University research team designed a commercial‑grade trial to reflect real ranch conditions. They enrolled weaned calves and compared three treatment groups:
– standard deworming protocol with one active ingredient
-An injectable macrocyclic lactone paired with an oral levamisole
Across the trial window, the MSU team collected data on:
The goal: measure not only parasite clearance, but also the economic relevance in a real‑world setting.
What the Trial Revealed
The dual‑mode group consistently demonstrated in the table below where you see the results from all four groups:
1] no anthelmintic (NO)
2] ivermectin 1%c + levamisoled (AP)
3] ivermectin 1%c + fenbendazolee (AS)
4] ivermectin 1%c only (A)
Cleaner pastures, Improved ADG, better feed efficiency and better economic returns are associated with improved reduction of parasites as measure by Fecal Egg Counts.
Why Dual Deworming Works
Dual deworming isn’t about intensity; it’s about precision.
Each class of dewormer targets parasites differently:
When used together, they attack the parasite from multiple angles. Fewer worms survive. Fewer resistant individuals pass on their genes. And the calf retains more nutrients for growth.
In other words, dual deworming protects both performance today and dewormer effectiveness tomorrow.
How Producers Can Apply These Findings
Commercial producers can integrate MSU’s findings without a complicated overhaul.
A typical example:
Your veterinarian can recommend combinations that fit your herd.
Weaning, preconditioning, and turnout are ideal moments to maximize ROI.
A simple fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) every 1–2 years helps identify emerging resistance before performance drops.
Operations with wet, warm, or densely stocked pastures often benefit the most.
The Takeaway: Performance You Can Measure
The MSU trial adds clear evidence to what many producers have suspected:
A single dewormer is no longer enough to protect growth, health, and profitability in many herds.
A dual‑mode strategy:
This why the seedstock producer continues to be a leader in optimizing performance for commercial cattlemen focused on maximizing pounds and preserving long‑term herd health, the data makes the decision straightforward.
Dual deworming isn't just a different approach — it’s a better one.
