Previously, when arsenic was the most important dipping-substance, large dipping tanks were generally used as it forced the animal to swim through, thus ensuring it to be in contact with the dipping-fluid for a longer period. Nowadays only proper wetting of the animal with the modem organic dipping-compounds is necessary.
Smaller dipping-tanks are now recommended (± 15 000 litre) as this helps in keeping costs down when making use of the more expensive dipping compounds. For efficient control of parasites, it is essential to wet the whole animal with a properly constituted dip-wash at the correct strength. (To obtain this the label on the container should always be read carefully). The dipping-tank must be constructed in such a way that there are 5 to 6 steps at the entrance leading down to the water-level. This provides the animal with something to kick against when jumping into the tank, positioning the animal’s body in such a way that the head is forced below the water surface when it plunges, ensuring complete wetting with the dip wash.
To maintain the dip-wash of modern dips at the correct strength, (tank tests are time consuming or not available) it is easy and fairly accurate if done in the following way:
This easy, on the spot check, when done regularly at each dipping, will ensure a fairly accurate dip-strength. To protect the dip-wash in the tank as much as possible, avoid dirt and exposure to the sun.
A foot-bath, 3 - 5 metres long, through which the animals have to walk before plunging, is of great help to clean the hooves and avoid soiling of the dip-wash. A well-constructed roof over the tank, to avoid evaporation and to prevent dilution by rain, is just as essential as a foot-bath.
The spraying of cattle was adopted with the introduction of modem organic chemicals which were costlier and more difficult to test than arsenic; and so the development of the spray-race. Spraying of cattle has the advantage that the dip is freshly made up at full strength before it is used, thereby giving maximum control and at the same time any uncertainty regarding the dip strength is eliminated.
The spray-race has an advantage to plunge-dips, provided the following points are observed:
Hand-spraying This should only be used when less than 25 animals are involved. It has been proved over and over again. When herds (larger than 25 head) were hand-sprayed weekly, the affectivity is greatly diminished. It must be remembered that for hand spraying at least 10 litres of dip-wash is required per animal in order to wet it properly. It is also very difficult to wet all parts of a beast standing still. Moreover, a high-pressure spray pump is needed to ensure thorough wetting of the skin.
This method is sometimes used where animals cannot be brought to the dipping tank or where a severe infestation of ticks are present, clustering the ears and underneath the tail.
Only apply hand-dressing materials (patch-treatment) to parts where ticks are clustering. Never treat large areas of the animal, as the animal may become poisoned.
Products such as "Tick dressing S" (chlorphenvinphos) can be used for cattle.
The most accurate way to fill a dipping-tank is by using an open oil drum as a measure. When filled to the top the drum contains 200 litres.
The dipping-tank is filled with this container. Every time a container is emptied into the dipping-tank’s sump, the dipstick is marked (calibrated) clearly at the same time. The dipstick is then used to measure the remains after a day’s dipping session.
The following formula can be employed:
Dipping tanks:
Measure:
a. = Length at water-level
b. = Length at bottom
c. = Breadth at water-level
d. = Breadth at bottom
e. = Depth of water
Now calculate as follows:
a + b x d + c x e = cubic capacity of dip-tank
2 2
NB: 1 cubic metre = I 000 litres
Spray-races:
Measure:
a. = Length of sump
b. = Width of sump
c. = Depth of sump
Now calculate as follows:
a x b x c = cubic capacity of the spray-race sump
Add the capacity of the sump foot valve
Two types of dipping-tanks are recommended; the oblong dipping-tank and the circular dipping-tank. Both types work extremely well, provided the following requirements are full filled:
NB. There is a distinct advantage in dipping sheep when the wool is short, i.e. 10 - 14 days after shearing - both as far as thorough wetting and economy are concerned.
Foot-dipping is recommended for the control of the paralysis ticks. The depth of water through which the animals walk, should be 15 to 30 cm. Belly-dipping is recommended for the control of the paralysis ticks. The depth of the dip-wash should be 50 - 60 cm.
This point cannot be overstressed when dipping sheep. Whether it is plunge, foot or belly dip, the following points must be kept in mind:
Methods which can be followed are:
Dipping of pigs or spraying may be applied to small numbers. It is necessary to wet the pig thoroughly to obtain good results. Pigs with advanced mange should be scrubbed to ensure thorough wetting. It may also be necessary to add a wetting agent to the dip-wash.
Dusting of poultry under each wing and tail may be done mechanically or by means of a sandpit with dip-treated sand.
Normally there are two methods to control internal parasites; dosing or drenching. There are a lot of drenching remedies on the market; some of them can be administered orally while the other can be injected e.g. Dectomax.
The following are examples of different internal parasites that may occur in your area: