Journal of Animal Science 1998 (Abstract)(Supplement1) 76:102

This study was conducted to determine if there was a difference in the behavioral reaction of cattle during an injection of either doramectin 1% injectable solution or ivermectin 1% injectable solution. Sixty-one red Angus-cross, two year old heifers were used. Each animal was held in a squeeze chute and given a 9 ml subcutaneous injection of either doramectin, ivermectin or sterile saline. Two observers, who were blind to the treatment, rated the behavioral reactions to the injections. Each animal was scored on a four number rating scale, 1 = no reaction stood still, 2 = slight movement, 3 = shaking and 4 = vigorous shaking. The cattle were also scored for willingness to re-enter the squeeze chute. Animals in the doramectin group reacted significantly less to the injection compared to cattle injected with ivermectin. The results for observer 1 with a score of 1 were, doramectin 17 animals, ivermectin 6 animals, saline 14 animals. The results for observer 2 with a score of 1 were, doramectin 14 animals, ivermectin 4 animals, saline 12 animals. Differences between doramectin and ivermectin (p=.OO1) and ivermectin and saline (p=.002) were found. Re-entry scores into the chute were significantly different for one observer and not significantly different for the other observer. Doramectin caused significantly less discomfort during injection than ivermectin. Use of a product, which causes less discomfort during injection, may improve ease of handling in the future and reduce animal discomfort. From a behavioral standpoint, this experiment is of interest because it showed that small differences in animal discomfort can be detected with a simple technique.

Key Words: Anthelmintic, Cattle, Stress

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