Drenching HOW AND WHY

What is a drench? Drenching is ‘administering of drug to an animal, usually by force’. Drenching can be applied to most farm animals; it’s not exclusive to sheep. You can buy commercial drenches for cows, calf’s,horses, dogs and other animals.horses These drugs combat parasites such as intestinal worms in livestock

Types of drenches Drenches come in two main types: broad spectrum and narrow spectrum.Drenches Broad spectrum drenches are designed to treat a wide range of internal parasites in sheep and lambs. A narrow spectrum drench will treat a restricted range of internal parasite types.

Why use a narrow spectrum? 1. To treat a parasite that’s more common during specific times of the year. (i.e. Liver fluke during the wetter parts of the year).Liver fluke 2.It might prove more effective and reduce stress on the animal. 3.It can help combat drench resistance (this is covered later in the article). 4.A drench that targets a single parasite may be far more effective at its job. This can be desirable when you have a bad infestation of a particular parasite. 5.It might have a shorter withdrawal period.

How to drench cattle 1.Cattle are weighed and drench is administered at the rate for the heaviest animals (Achievement). This prevents under-drenching of stock (Merit). a)Administer the drench amount as per instructions on the pack (Achievement). This ensures that stock receive the required amount (Merit). 2.Have stock in the race (Achievement) for easier and safer handling (Merit). a)Lean over the top of the race (Achievement) to prevent injury from crushing (Merit). 3.Position the drench gun to the back of the throat (Achievement). This prevents the animal from spitting out the drench (Merit). Alternate drench types with each drenching (Achievement) to prevent build-up of resistant parasites (Merit). Ensure all animals are drenched (Achievement). This ensures that live parasites will not contaminate fresh grass (Merit).

Drenching sheep 1.Make sure you thoroughly shake the drenching container and ensure the contents are well mixed. 2.Check you have the right dose set on the gun. 3.Restrain your sheep. Place your hand under the animal’s neck and hold it firmly. I find this operation easiest when you are stood towards the back of the animal. 4.Insert the drenching nozzle into the sheep or lambs mouth from the side. Make sure the nozzle is above the tong whilst ensuring you keep a firm grip of the animals’ mouth. 5.Remove the gun from the mouth whist still keeping a firm grip of the animal mouth and head. You need to keep hold of the animal mouth until it’s swallowed the dose. This only usually takes a few seconds. If you don’t do this it could dribble out of the mouth, or the animal could spit it out. 6.Once you have finished dosing your flock, clean your equipment. Rinse the gun and pipe out with warm water. Don’t use soap as this can damage the seal in the gun. 7.Make sure you make a note in your diary of when the drench was applied and the withdrawal period. 8.Safely store your unused drench whilst ensuring it’s out of direct sunlight.