Common Questions
How do I know how much to give?
Determining dosage depends on which SAFE-GUARD product you are using. For easy calculations, use our dosage calculator to figure your dose and product needs customized for your herd size. Dosage Calculator.
Is there a product guarantee?
With Safe-Guard, you can expect to see a 90% reduction in fecal egg count after just 14 days.3 One way you can check it is through a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). A FECRT will not only tell you which parasites you’re dealing with but also if they’re responding to your program. Learn more about FECRT.
How do feed formulations kill parasites?
All formulations of SAFE-GUARD are powered by fenbendazole. But with feed formulations, how can you be sure cattle are receiving the proper dose? It’s called the cumulative dose effect. Fenbendazole builds up in the fat tissue of parasites. 4 Even cattle that ingest small amounts of SAFE-GUARD over the course of a few feedings will quickly build up to a dose that is lethal to internal parasites.
How do I know feed formulations will work?
A comprehensive set of 12 studies have demonstrated that SAFE-GUARD blocks, cubes, pellets and free-choice mineral are effective at keeping cattle clean:
- 12 studies show higher than 91% efficacy for Safe-Guard feed formulations 5-16
- 6 studies show an average extra gain of 40 lbs. in stocker cattle 17-22
- 4 studies show an average weaning weight increase of 31 lbs 18, 23-25
- 4 studies show a 16% increase in average daily gain 6, 20, 21, 26
What worms does SAFE-GUARD kill?
SAFE-GUARD offers broad-spectrum control for a variety of parasites.
How can I test my current deworming protocol?
The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test, or FECRT, is a standardized diagnostic tool to determine if there is potential parasite resistance with your current dewormer. After deworming, you should see a 90%+ reduction in fecal egg count. If these results are not achieved, the reason why should be investigated with a veterinarian to determine if improper dosing and/or resistance has affected the outcome. It’s a great way to learn which parasites you are dealing with and if they are responding to your program. Learn more about FECRT.
Why does SAFE-GUARD use fenbendazole?
Parasites can’t excrete fenbendazole. This means even cattle that ingest small amounts of SAFE-GUARD feed products over the course of a few feedings quickly build up a lethal dose for any parasites that may be present.
References
1 Herd, R. Strategies for Nematode Control in Cattle. Modern Veterinary Practice, 1985.
2 Merck Animal Health National FECRT Database.
3 Coles, et. al. WAAVP methods for the detection of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of veterinary importance.
4 Vercruysse J, Claerebout E. Mechanisms of actions of anthelmintics. Merck Veterinary Manual Online. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/anthelmintics/mechanisms-of-action-of-anthelmintics. Accessed February 2, 2021.
5 Intervet Safeguard Technical Bulletin Part Number A640416. 2001.
6 Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company Study Number A640468.
7 Blagburn BL, et al. Efficacy of fenbendazole medicated feed blocks against gastrointestinal nematode infections in calves. Am J Vet Res. 1987;48(6):1017-1019.
8 Blagburn BL, et al. Evaluation of three formulations of fenbendazole (10% suspension, .5% pellets and 20% premix) against nematode infections in cattle. Am J Vet Res. 1986;47(3):834-836.
9 Saad MB, et al. Efficacy of Fenbendazole against adult Dictyocaulus viviparus in experimentally infected calves. Am J Vet Res. 1977;38(9):1427-1428.
10 Crowley JW, et al. Further controlled evaluations of fenbendazole as a bovine anthelmentic. Am J Vet Res. 1977;38(5):689-692.
11 Bliss DH. Comparative evaluation of fenbendazole (5mg/kg) administered either via a free-choice mineral or in a 10% oral suspension and ivermectin (100 or 200 mcg/kg) administered subcutaneous.
12 Miller JE. Efficacy of Safeguard En-Pro-Al molasses deworming supplement blocks against inhibited larvae of Ostertagia ostertagia. Southern Conference on Animal Parasites. 1989. March 26-28. Abstract #75.
13 HRVET Study No 97-0020.
14 Smith SJ, et al. Effects of Safeguard free choice protein blocks on trichostrongyle nematodes in pastured cattle from eastern South Dakota. Proc. South Dakota Academy of Science. 2012;91.
15 Williams JC, et al. Efficacy of a spring fenbendazole treatment program to reduce numbers of Ostertagia ostertagi inhibited larvae in beef stocker cattle. Vet Parasitol. 1995;59(2):127-137.
16 Reinemeyer CR, et al. Larvicidal efficacy of three formulations of fenbendazole against experimentally-induced gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle. Intervet Research Report.
17 Smith RA, et al. Pasture deworming and (or) subsequent feedlot deworming with fenbendazole. I. Effects on grazing performance, feedlot performance and carcass traits of yearling steers. Bov Pract. 2000;34(2):104-114.
18 Taylor FT. Effects of a strategic deworming program in beef cattle with subclinical parasitism in the western United States. BCVA Edinburgh. 1996.
19 Rowland W, et al. Effects of strategic deworming with Safeguard, Gainpro supplementation and (or) implantation with Revalor-G on grazing performance of stocker steers. 2000.
20 Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company Study Number A640438.
21 Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company Study Number A640039.
22 Miller JE, et al. Effect of fenbendazole molasses supplement block treatment on nematode infection and subsequent weight gain of weanling beef calves. Vet Parasitol. 1992;44(3-4):329-337.
23 Kvasnicka WG, et al. Fenbendazole in a strategic deworming program. The Compendium. Food Animal Parasitology.1996;18(4):113-117.
24 Wholgemuth KM, et al. Deworming beef cow and calves with fenbendazole: effect on weaning weight of calves. North Dakota Farm Research Bimonthly Bulletin. 1990;48(4):27-30.
25 HRVET Study GHM/19. Cow/calf producers in the northern plains have wondered if parasite control can pay for itself. 1990.
26 Keith EA. Utilizing feed grade formulations of fenbendazole for cattle. Agri-Practice. 1992;13(1):17.
