An integrated technology for improving the bio-availability of anthelmintics
Did you know technology has been developed to improve anthelmintic efficiency in sheep and cattle?
| Project start date: | 30 June 1991 |
| Project end date: | 29 June 1994 |
| Publication date: | 23 August 2022 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | National |
Summary
This project was a response to concerns about resistance to drenches and residues in meat. This project aimed to develop a more efficient anthelmintic release system to:
- increase activity against resistant strains
- improve production efficiency
- reduce quantities of drug required for effective control to reduce residue accumulation
- widen anthelmintic opportunities in cattle
- reduce the urgency for development of new chemical classes by extending the useable life of existing products
- reduce the cost of effective anthelmintic treatment.
Objectives
1. To develop and evaluate in vivo a technique to protect albendazole and other anthelmintics from degradation or fibre association in the rumen.
2. To optimise the formulation for a sheep drench and evaluate it in sheep.
3. To evaluate the developed drench in cattle.
4. To develop and modify the technology for incorporation into a controlled delivery device.
Key findings
Technology to protect albendazole from degradation or fibre association in the rumen was successfully developed for use in sheep and cattle. This enabled a greater proportion of the administered dose to be directed to the abomasum, a major site of parasite predilection, therefore, a lower dose rate can be administered.
Benefits to industry
Internal parasites is still a priority for the industry, as they represent a significant cost from lost productivity and prevention and treatment costs. The ability to use existing anthelmintics more efficiently assists in slowing resistance so the treatments can be used effectively for longer.
MLA action
MLA will continue to invest in research for effective internal parasite control, which remains a challenge for the industry.
Future research
Following this project it was recommended that this technology be extended to other anthelmintic compounds. Since this project, MLA has continued to invest in research for effective internal parasite control, which remains a challenge for the industry.
