Backlining Cattle: Pros & Cons
Backlining is the application of a pour on treatment along the animal’s back, from the shoulders to the tail head. The liquid spreads across the skin and is either absorbed or acts on external parasites, depending on the product. It is commonly used for worms, lice, ticks, and fly control.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to apply with minimal handling | Absorption varies if cattle are dirty, wet, or very hairy |
| Lower stress for stock and handlers than drenching or injecting | Heavy rain soon after treatment can wash product off |
| Effective for many external parasites | Often higher cost per dose than some oral or injectable options |
| Some products cover both internal and external parasites | Incorrect use can drive resistance in parasites |
Key Risks From Incorrect Dosing
- Inter animal licking: Cattle may lick product from the backs of others. The treated animal then receives less than the intended dose which reduces effectiveness and increases resistance risk. The licking animal may ingest extra product which raises the risk of toxicity.
- Poor weight estimates: Underdosing or overdosing occurs when you guess weight. Use scales or a weigh tape and dose to the heaviest in the group if dosing as a mob.
- Uneven application: Apply a single continuous line along the top of the back. Avoid clumps or missed sections.
- Timing and weather: Do not apply just before heavy rain. Allow the label stated rainfast period.
- Dirty or wet coats: Heavy dirt, manure, or a soaked coat reduces spread and absorption.
Backlining Compared With Other Methods
- Oral drenches: Accurate dosing when animals are weighed, no licking risk, but more handling and some animals may spit product out.
- Injectables: Useful long acting options and no licking risk. Requires needles and careful technique to avoid injection site reactions.
Practical Tips
- Weigh cattle or use a reliable estimate and set dose to the heaviest in the drafting group.
- Separate freshly treated cattle for the label specified time if licking is a known issue.
- Apply to clean, dry skin where possible. Part the hair if coats are long.
- Use the correct applicator and calibrate it before starting.
- Rotate active ingredients as advised to help slow resistance.
Always read the product label and follow veterinary advice for your herd and region.
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Zeromec Pour-On for Cattle – Parasite Control
Price range: $183.90 through $256.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Fasitak Pour-On for Fluke and Parasite Control
Price range: $270.00 through $1,339.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Beast Pour-On for Buffalo Fly & Lice Control
Price range: $170.00 through $795.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Cydectin Platinum Pour-On for Cattle, Dual Active
Price range: $479.35 through $3,150.65 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Neoverin Cattle Pour-On for Parasite Control
Price range: $378.00 through $1,220.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Dectomax Pour-On Endectocide
Price range: $265.00 through $1,790.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Cydectin Pour-On for Cattle
Price range: $136.15 through $649.40 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Ausmectin Cattle Pour-On
Price range: $61.70 through $305.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
