Productivity effects of bovine mange and control with ivermectin.

A randomised block design study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mange on cattle. Twenty-four Simmentaler Fleckvieh bulls were formed into eight replicates of three bulls based on Day −56 body weight (288–414kg). Within replicates bulls were randomly allocated to groups G1: uninfested control, G2: infested control or G3: infested, treated with 0.2mgivermectin/kg (1% ivermectin injection; IVOMEC®, Merial) on Day 0. The G2 and G3 bulls were infested with Sarcoptes/Chorioptes mites on Days −56 and −49. Feed consumption was recorded daily throughout the study (Days −56 to 56). Body weights were measured and serum samples collected. Mites were counted at bi-weekly intervals from Day −14 on. The carcasses of the bulls and the leather produced from their hides were evaluated. Differences between variables were declared significant if P≤0.05.