Anaplasmosis Alert -- Ensure Preventatives Are Used Properly

Producers who have experienced anaplasmosis in their herds may look toward preventative measures. A common approach is to supplement cattle with an oral antibiotic (chlortetracycline, CTC) in either free choice mineral or a range meal supplement, according to sources with the Arkansas Ag Extension. Keep in mind that a common mistake is feeding a mineral supplement that DOES NOT contain a sufficient level of CTC. This means the mineral label should indicate a use for anaplasmosis prevention, and the feeding directions should provide consumption indications for cows of various weights.

Since consumption can vary with free choice minerals, and some cows may not even consume the mineral at all, the second most convenient method of supplying CTC is purchasing a commercial range meal. Range meals are traditionally fed to supply supplemental protein when forage quality diminishes during mid to late summer.

Consumption of range meals is greater than free choice minerals, and hand-feeding daily in a trough will provide a more consistent consumption. The salt in the range meal also helps prevent overeating at the bunk by boss cows.

Producers who regularly fertilize pastures may not see the benefit from added protein supplementation on forage intake and digestibility. A custom supplement blend utilizing loose soybean hulls, ground corn or rice bran as an alternative, cheaper carrier feedstuff may be preferred in this situation.

One should note, the less concentrated a medicated feed additive becomes, the greater the cost of the medication on a per unit basis. For example, the cost per unit of CTC in a 4-gram crumble will usually be more expensive than the cost of CTC in a 50-gram formulation. However, more concentrated forms of medicated feed additives become difficult to mix on-farm, especially if mixing small batches. In the end, purchasing a commercially prepared supplement (mineral or meal) may be the best manageable practice.

Since blood-sucking insects can be carriers of the disease, pesticide applications will limit disease exposure. A number of useful application methods for insecticides such as sprays, pour-ons, spot-ons, dust bags, back rubbers, feed supplements and ear tags are available. When using insecticides, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to maximize treatment results. ©