The Denis Brinicombe Group has developed two new products as an integrated coccidiosis control programme for ewes pre lambing and lambs post lambing. The two products are designed for use in tandem; COXI-CLEAR™ EWE is used to clear the intestinal tract of the pregnant ewe of coccidia parasites and COXI-CLEAR™ LAMB for continued coccidiosis control in the lamb crop.
The Group claim that any shepherd following the control programme will see a considerable reduction in the incidents of coccidiosis in their flock resulting in improved returns to the farm.
COXI-CLEAR™ EWE, based upon the long established Pre and Post Lambing Tubby, one of the foundation tubs in the Denis Brinicombe range it contains 1,100 mg/kg of Deccox™ (Decoquinate), a proven coccidiostat. Together with a complete mineral, trace element and vitamin package it becomes a unique product specifically designed for the pre-lambing ewe.
COXI-CLEAR™ LAMB is unique in the fact that it has been developed to continue the preventative programme into the lamb crop. Again, containing 1,100 mg/kg of Deccox™ together with a complete mineral, trace element and vitamin package it is specifically designed for lambs that are vulnerable to coccidiosis attack.
"As every shepherd knows coccidiosis infection in a flock can result in considerable losses. We have therefore developed this programme to be used throughout the lambing period and beyond, as a preventative, rather than a one off, treatment," said James Brinicombe, Company Director.
"COXI-CLEAR™ EWE has to be available continuously from three to four weeks prior to lambing. This has the effect of purging coccidia from the intestine of the ewe, so that when lambing time arrives she will not be shedding active oocytes (eggs) in her faeces. COXI-CLEAR™ EWE should be on offer for a further week post lambing.
"It is important to realise that a newborn lamb will become infected by coccidiosis as soon as it comes into contact with faeces that carry the coccidia oocytes and these may have been shed by infected ewes many months before.
"As the disease is associated with damp wet conditions and intensive stocking some years may be worse than others, but there is no knowing what type of year it is until the lambs go out to grass. Therefore the preventative treatment has to continue when the lamb goes out to pasture, where oocytes can remain infective for a considerable amount of time," continued James.
"COXI-CLEAR™ LAMB has been developed to be available as soon as the lambs are put onto pasture, where it should be available all the time. As the lambs take it they start their own preventative cycle. The Deccox™ in the tub provides a continuous treatment against coccidiosis while the balance of minerals; vitamins and trace elements are formulated to supply all the needs of a growing lamb.
"We believe this programme represents the way forward for all sheep flocks. Firstly, it clears the infestation in the ewes intestinal tract pre-lambing, reducing the possibility of infection being picked up in the lambing pens and secondly, the lamb is on a preventative treatment from day one so that it can get away and grow into a strong animal quickly and efficiently." James concluded.
Editors Note:
14 to 21 days after the first oocytes are ingested by a lamb two to three life cycles of coccidia will have taken place in the gut producing up to 16 million oocytes for every one ingested.
Coccidiosis control measures cannot be intermittent as infection is continuous. By presenting these two COXI-CLEAR products to the ewes 3-4 weeks pre-lambing and to the lambs as soon as they go to pasture the continuous treatment aim is achieved.
Coccidiosis occurs in all situations and is an ever-present problem, where it can cause considerable financial loss to a flock. In some cases the infestation my not present severe clinical signs but it will still hold back lambs growth rates so they take longer to 'finish'. Coccidiosis is most critical in lambs between four and ten weeks of age.
COXI-CLEAR EWE and COXI-CLEAR LAMB are supplied in 14kg food grade lidded tubs.
Both tubs can only be supplied on a veterinary surgeons prescription and are manufactured at the Group's own plant in Crediton Devon.
Started in 1973 the Denis Brinicombe Group is still a family owned business with Head Offices and main manufacturing site in Crediton, Devon. They have a national coverage by over 50 representatives with transport depots and liquid feed manufacturing plants in Welshpool, Ripon and Carluke.
