Tackling parasites at ground level

Further field trials and product optimisation are now underway as Ballance Agri-Nutrients enters final stages of testing a fertiliser breakthrough developed to reduce parasite larvae on pasture.

Dave Leithwick.

The technology has the potential to target all pasture-based ruminant larval species, addressing an issue costing the sector millions of dollars, Ballance says.

Developed in collaboration with AgResearch parasitologist Dave Leathwick and soil scientist Alec Mackay, extensive testing—including early in-vitro trials—shows promising efficacy against both drug-resistant and susceptible parasite species.

Initial tunnel house trials, which allowed precise control over environmental factors, confirmed these results.
These trials tested various application techniques, formulations, and rates, demonstrating a significant reduction in recovered larvae compared to untreated areas.

“Traditional parasite control using drenches is failing on many farms, so we deliberately took a different approach by trying to target parasites on pasture.

This product is a result of that work. If we can get the fine-tuning right, it will be a boon for farmers struggling with resistant worms,” says AgResearch’s Dave Leathwick.

Small-scale animal trials provided further validation, showing a substantial reduction in parasite burden in tracer lambs grazed on treated pasture.

On-farm trials conducted on two separate farms saw similar results, with a marked reduction in worm burdens after just 14 days of grazing on pasture treated with this innovative formulation.

However, the project has also revealed the complexities of real-world farm conditions, particularly in relation to pasture contamination.

Trials have shown that larvae can persist in soil and faeces, gradually migrating back to herbage over time, highlighting the need for further study in this area.

“While early lab and farm trials have shown great promise, we’re continuing to refine the formulation and its application to make sure it works effectively across the wide range of conditions farmers encounter,” says Warwick Catto, Ballance science strategy manager.

“However, this is really good news for farmers as our goal is to create a solution that not only performs in controlled settings but delivers consistent results in the field.”

Resistance to oral drenches has become a critical issue for sheep and cattle farmers globally, with many facing triple drench resistance and limited treatment options.

This new approach uses a specially formulated fertiliser that reduces parasite larvae on pasture, potentially giving farmers a new tool to manage resistance.

“By reducing the larval challenge that migrates from animal waste and infects young stock, this technology could provide a significant breakthrough for farmers struggling with parasite management,” Catto says.

The potential new product is part of Future Ready Farms, Ballance’s $25 million MPI Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund project, launched in October 2020.

Known as Project Vigour, it is one of two animal health products developed through the Future Ready Farms workstream.

The other is Project Enhancer, a novel animal feed additive based on a functional micronutrient that stimulates improved animal growth, reproduction and feed utilisation.