New Parasite Control

Better efficacy and improved gains are reported in cattle using a new combination parasite control product, Valcor. The product was released by Zoetis and is now available by prescription.

Valcor is an injectable that combines doramectin and levamisole. It is the first and only combination endectocide in the U.S. for use against internal and external parasites in cattle.

Doramectin is from the macrocyclic lactone class of dewormers; levamisole is from the imidazothiazole class. There are only three main classes of parasiticides: the macrocyclic lactones, the imidazothiazoles, and the benzimidazoles. Researchers have reported over the years that selecting parasites from different classes helps keep actions viable and reduces resistance issues.

According to information from Zoetis, Valcor treats and controls 35 parasites and stages. This includes the adult and the L4 stages (fourth-stage larvae) of Haemonchus placei, Cooperia Spp., and Ostertagia ostertagi; and the adult version of Nematodirus helvetianus, and inhibited L4 Ostertagia ostertagi. It is also labeled to treat lungworms, eyeworms, grubs, mange mites, and sucking lice.

Mark Alley, managing veterinarian with Zoetis beef technical services, said in a news conference announcing Valcor's release that in a multi-site research study with more than 1,000 head of cattle, the product reduced fecal egg counts by 99.9%, compared to ivermectin alone (85%). In addition, Ally said the heifers treated with Valcor gained 9.3 more pounds than the ivermectin-treated heifers over a 56-day time frame.

"The two active ingredients in one product offer convenience to veterinarians and producers who may have had the need to use two products concurrently in the past," said Alley, noting this saves time and adds efficiency chute-side.

The product can be used in beef cattle 2 months of age and older and replacement dairy heifers less than 20 months of age. It is not labeled for use in beef bulls over the age of 1 year intended to be used for breeding. It is a subcutaneous injection, given at the neck, at a dose of 1 mL per 55 pounds of body weight. Cattle within 15 days of slaughter should not be treated with Valcor.

When asked about pricing for the new product, Ally said it would vary, but would likely be at a premium 10% to 15% over a combination dectomax injection and Valbazen (a benzimidazole) treatment.

Ally reminded producers of the clinical signs of parasitism in the herd, which may include a rough hair coat, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, poor productivity, anemia, bottle jaw, poor fertility, immune suppression, and even death.

For more information, the product website can be found here: www.ValcorTough.com.

Victoria Myers can be reached at vicki.myers@dtn.com

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