The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hugo on October 21, 2014, 08:29:48 pm

Title: Worms
Post by: Hugo on October 21, 2014, 08:29:48 pm

How long do worms last for on pasture? Does it depend on conditions?

Thank you for your help!

Title: Re: Worms
Post by: princesslayer on October 21, 2014, 10:09:38 pm

I'm no expert but I did go to a pasture management session the other day, lectured by an expert who understood small farms. He said they are permanently in our environment, at a very low level, just waiting for a host. They overwinter in a stage of their life cycle. So apparently there is no such thing as 'clean' pasture, only 'safe' pasture.

That being said, I think some species (nematodirus?) only last in their 'worm' and therefore infective stage for three weeks (they hatch, don't find a host then die) but hopefully someone more knowledgable can expand on this!

Title: Re: Worms
Post by: Womble on October 21, 2014, 10:46:04 pm

I asked much the same question a couple of weeks ago (http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=51967). The consensus seems to be a long time!!

Title: Re: Worms
Post by: devonlad on October 22, 2014, 12:51:44 am

EBlex produce some really handy guides on all sorts including one called " Managing pasture for better returns" free to read online . After TAS of course eblex is my favourite place to go for advice

Title: Re: Worms
Post by: devonlady on October 22, 2014, 05:58:52 am

I was always taught (though it may be wrong) that rotational grazing was the best way to avoid worms. First cattle then sheep, then horses and no species on that piece of land for more than 18 days maximum.