Injectable Cattle Drench

Why use an injectable drench? 

Proper parasite management is essential for maintaining the efficiency and profitability of cattle operations across the country. Without an integrated strategy to keep parasites in your herd at bay, you’re risking the health of your animals, and thus, the overall productivity of your farm. 

Why choose an injectable drench over other cattle drenches?

There are several drench formulations available on the market, including pour-ons and oral drenches. While both of these methods have their place in parasite management, injectable drenches offer distinct advantages: 

• Higher efficacy and residual activity: Injectable formulations offer longer-lasting protection compared to other types of drenches. 
• Weather resistance: Unlike pour-on drenches, injectables are not affected by rain, dust, or sun exposure, which ensures full absorption into the animal’s bloodstream. 
• Precise dosing: Injectable drenches ensure accurate dosage, reducing the risk of underdosing or overdosing, both of which can contribute to resistance development. These formulations are often preferred when precise control is required in high-risk environments. 

How to administer injectable drenches

If you want to maximise the efficacy of your chosen injectable drench, it’s critical to use proper administration techniques. Consider these tips: 

• • Injection sites and techniques: Depending on the product, injections may be given subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle).
  • Correct dosage calculations: Administering the correct dose based on cattle weight will ensure effective treatment and minimise resistance risk. 

• Storage and handling: Injectable drenches should be stored as per manufacturer guidelines to maintain their potency. 

• Drench rotation: Regularly alternating the active ingredients in your drenches will help prevent parasite resistance.

Choosing the best injectable drench

When the time comes to select an injectable drench for your herd, here’s what to consider: 

• • Parasite spectrum: Your chosen drench should target the specific parasites in the region.
  • Efficacy and withholding periods: Some products have longer withholding periods, which could affect market timelines.

• Cost and herd size: You should align your choice of drench with your herd management goals and budget constraints for best results.

• Compatibility with other treatments: Injectable drenches should complement, not interfere with, your other parasite control strategies. 

We recommend consulting a veterinarian or livestock health professional when selecting and using injectable drenches. 

Producers can ensure sustainable and profitable livestock operations by integrating injectable drenches into a comprehensive herd health management program. For more tips on using injectable drenches, or to chat about product options, contact our knowledgeable team.