Cattle Producers Leverage Diagnostics for Smarter Deworming Plans

Incorporating fecal egg count reduction tests helps confirm when treatment is needed and when it isn't.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Cattle producers are incorporating diagnostic tests like fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) into their deworming plans to get a clearer picture of parasite pressure and product performance. This data-driven approach helps confirm when treatment is necessary, when it isn't, and when a deworming protocol might need adjusting. Producers like Rich at Leaning Oak Ranch in Oklahoma are working closely with veterinarians to implement diagnostics and build more sustainable deworming programs.

Why it matters

Diagnostics provide valuable insights that can save producers money by avoiding unnecessary treatments and ensure deworming products are being used effectively. This helps promote sustainable parasite management by preventing the development of drug resistance, which is a growing concern in the cattle industry.

The details

FECRTs involve collecting two manure samples from the same animal - one before treatment and one after a specified period depending on the dewormer used. The results indicate the product's efficacy, with a 95% or greater egg reduction considered effective. If results fall short, it may signal that parasites are surviving treatment, prompting adjustments to the timing, use of combination treatments, grazing rotations, or which animals receive treatment.

  • Routine FECRTs are recommended before spring turnout, during grazing, or at weaning to establish a baseline and track resistance over time.

The players

Rich

Owner of Leaning Oak Ranch in Okemah, Oklahoma, which has 2,000 cow-calf pairs.

Tyler Thomas, DVM

Owner and operator of Prague Veterinary Clinic in Prague, Oklahoma, who works closely with Rich on herd health.

Jody Wade, DVM

Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim who emphasizes the importance of working with trusted laboratories when running diagnostics.

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What they’re saying

“We had a group that didn't look right, and I assumed it was a worm issue. But the fecal tests came back clean, and confirmed our LONGRANGE® [eprinomectin] was working the way it should. Running diagnostics saved us from reworking the cows unnecessarily.”

— Buck Rich, Owner, Leaning Oak Ranch

“It's very easy to check fecals, and it's a valuable tool. The data lets us know where a deworming program sits, and if we need to take action or not.”

— Tyler Thomas, DVM, Owner and Operator, Prague Veterinary Clinic

“Without diagnostics, it's easy to point the finger at the product. But if you're not testing, you might be treating the wrong issue or not seeing the whole picture.”

— Jody Wade, DVM, Veterinarian, Boehringer Ingelheim

What’s next

Producers are encouraged to review deworming protocols with their veterinarians at least once a year to maintain herd health and productivity.

The takeaway

Incorporating diagnostics into deworming plans gives cattle producers a clearer understanding of parasite pressure and product performance, helping them make more informed, data-driven decisions and build more sustainable parasite management programs.