Grace writes:
<<If one does not use wormers, there is likely to be a break or weak
spot in the wool in some members of the flock at some times of the year.
I am all for breeding sheep that are resistant to parasites, but so
far it has not been proven that anyone has achieved this.>>
Well, if the sheep continue healthy in the absence of any worming, then
I reckon that could be considered 'proof' :) Enough for us, anyway; we
haven't wormed in YEARS, and our sheep are just fine, no breaks in the
wool or other signs of ill health.
Management of grazing is an important part of managing the parasite load.
Seems like my reading has indicated that most NA parasites are in the
intestinal tract or external, not in the muscle. ALL animals we eat
have SOME parasites, even those regularly dosed with a well-planned
rotating schedule of wormers and who have their feeding well managed.
Personally, I'd rather cook my meat thoroughly than know there's
residual chemicals in it. Which there are if wormers are used, no
matter what the label on the Ivermectin says.
FWIW, we don't vaccinate, and only use antibiotics if a) an animal is
actually sick for some reason, and b) the animal is one who is worth
keeping--sheep that get sick too easily are sheep we'd rather cull (part
of the raising resistant sheep concept).
Now I'm ducking back out before Ron pulls the plug on me for venturing
into the area of animal husbandry :)
Holly
who isn't certified organic, but gardens and raises animals in a way
that meets or betters the US standards
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