Bovatec (Lasalocid is an ionophore antibiotic added to animal feed to prevent parasitic coccidiosis, increase weight gain, and improve feed efficiency in cattle, sheep, goats and swine.
INDICATIONS
CATTLE
- Control of coccidiosis: Bovatec is an aid in the control or prevention of coccidiosis caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii in calves and cattle up to 800 lbs, including replacement dairy calves and heifers, being fed in confinement.
- Increased rate of weight gain: This applies to pasture cattle, including slaughter, stocker, feeder cattle, and dairy and beef replacement heifers.
- Improved feed efficiency and increased rate of weight gain: This applies to cattle being fed in confinement for slaughter.
SHEEP
In sheep (lambs) maintained in confinement, Bovatec is indicated as an aid in the prevention of coccidiosis caused by various Eimeria species, including E. ovina, E. crandallis, and E. ovinoidalis.
SAFETY NOTES
- Do not allow horses or other equines access to feeds containing lasalocid, as ingestion may be fatal.
- Bovatec should not be fed undiluted, as mixing errors or excessive concentrations could be fatal to cattle and sheep.
- A withdrawal period of 2 days is required for treated sheep before slaughter for food, but none for cattle, when used according to the label.
ADMINISTRATION
- Mixed into Complete Feed: The concentrated Bovatec product is diluted, often through an intermediate blending step at a licensed feed mill, to achieve a precise concentration (e.g., grams per ton) in the final total ration. The animal then consumes the medicated feed as its sole ration during the treatment period.
- Hand-Fed: For calves up to 800 lbs or replacement dairy heifers, the product may be mixed into milk replacer powder or a specific amount of feed and hand-fed daily.
- Free-Choice (Pasture Cattle): Medicated mineral mixes or feed blocks with Bovatec can be provided on a free-choice basis for pasture cattle to increase weight gain. The location of the blocks relative to water and resting areas can be adjusted to help control consumption rates to the desired dosage (e.g., 60-300 mg/head/day).
