Dairy cows treated with IVOMEC 1% Injection showed significantly improved milk production, and had a shorter calving-to-conception interval.

This study shows the benefits of parasite control in cows in terms of improved reproductive performance and improved milk production.
Four hundred ninety-eight (498) cows from five well-managed herds were matched by parity, condition score, calving date and previous milk production and allocated between two groups:

• Group 1 was treated with IVOMEC 1% Injection during the dry period before calving
• Group 2 were the untreated controls

Cows were on pasture for the duration of the study; they appeared healthy, egg counts were low, and plasma pepsinogen levels were low.
Despite evidence that parasite challenge was low, the treatment resulted in an economically significant improvement in milk production — an extra 74 litres of milk for the first 100 days of lactation (P<0.008) — and the calving-to-conception interval was significantly shorter as a result of treatment (P<0.02). This study clearly demonstrates the benefits of parasite control in dairy cattle; in addition, improved milk production is consistent with the better productivity seen in calves born to beef cows treated with IVOMEC. The improved reproductive response in treated cows is consistent with the results of other studies in beef cows and heifers.

Walsh et al, 1995, Aust. Vet. J., 72:201-207

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