ridecamp@endurance.net: An Alternate Strategy For Worms

An Alternate Strategy For Worms

Bruce Overton (boverton@tpgi.com.au)
Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:51:30 +1000

In the last few weeks there has been a lot of discussion on possible
problems using the Ivermectin group of drenches. The following is a direct
extract from a book titled NATURAL HORSE CARE by Pat Coleby. This book is
available in Australia and I have been using it for about three years with
a marked decrease in vet bills.
Start quote<<For the last two years I have not used a proprietary drench
on any of my horses, brood mares included. When I felt they needed worming
I have given then a desertspoon of copper sulphate in their evening feeds
and any sign of worms have promptly disappeared. This strategy has been
tried on other animals as well with complete success. It would be wise to
have regular faecal checks done for peace of mind.
I was encouraged to try this for several reasons -- one was a fear of the
Ivermectin group of drenches that had become (apparently) the only answer;
the other was the knowledge that horsemasters of old used copper, although
there was no mention of amounts given. The most influental reason was
reading the collected works of the world's greatest soil scientist, W.A.
Albrecht. He proved that animals whose systems contained the correct amount
of copper did not suffer from internal parasites-- they could eat worm eggs
in the paddock, but the worms did not stay in the animal if the copper
intake was correct.
The trouble is no-one really seems to know what is the correct amount of
copper in any animal is. I tried with goats and came up with a figure that
worked well and kept the goats in excellent health for 8 months, including
pregnancy and kidding. However this amount was so high that I felt I should
lower it,
and did this to the point where the goats occasionly needed drenching
again. I used the copper when this arose and have left it at that.
When I found that the dessertspoon per horse worked quite effectively
--horses have been given much larger doses on occasion--I have stuck to
that amount.
NOTE; A horse that is treated for for worms with copper must be receiving
regular dolomite in its feed. Dolomite is the natural antidote for copper
poisoning but does not impede its efficiency.>>End of quote
Copper as a supplement should be fed as copper sulphate
(bluestone)--copper carbonate is twice as strong and should not be used as
a supplement but is suitable for paddock topdressing only. Take care you
follow the note above.
The quoted dose above of one dessertspoon of copper sulphate is a dose
for a limited time only and it is much better to feed the horse the
following mixed in feed once per day:- half teaspoon of copper sulphate;
one tablespoon of dolomite and one tablespoon of seaweed meal. This diet
not only will get the copper up to the desired level to combat worms but
will also make sure that iron deficiencies are unlikely.
If any one wants the book by Pat let me know and I will get prices for
you.
Bruce from Downunder
Queenslander
boverton@tpgi.com.au


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