Effects of anthelmintics and gastrointestinal nematode infection intensity on growth and production performance and carcass quality in western Canadian feedlot cattle

Abstract A randomized controlled trial determined the effects of anthelmintic treatments on growth and production performance, and carcass quality in western Canadian feedlot cattle. Fall-weaned, auction-derived steers (n = 234) were randomly assigned to three groups: untreated control (CTRL), injectable ivermectin (IVM), and injectable ivermectin combined with oral fenbendazole (IVM + FZ). Steers were dosed according to individual body weights and manufacturers’ recommendations. Individual fecal and blood samples were collected at feedlot arrival to determine fecal egg counts (FEC) and