Comparison of gastrointestinal parasites and management practices between organic and conventional dairy herds in Minnesota

Abstract

Clinical infestations with gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are considered by some to be among the most expensive diseases in the cattle industry due to lost productivity and increased operating expenses. The National Organic Program restricts the use of synthetic anthelmintics to emergency situations. Instead, organic farmers are required to implement best management practices and alternative therapies to prevent GI parasite infestations. At present, little is known about the burden of GI parasites in dairy cattle in Minnesota or the effectiveness of preventive management practices on organic dairies. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of GI parasites in cattle on Minnesota dairy herds, to evaluate the association of management practices with GI parasite egg counts, and to compare GI parasite egg counts between organic and conventional dairy farms.