Which practice is part of preventing external parasites in livestock?

• A. Proper sanitation in pens and barns
• B. Increase stocking density
• C. Feeding spoiled feed
• D. Reduce drainage in the area

Answer: (A)

Keeping livestock free of external parasites hinges on disrupting the parasites’ living conditions and their ability to reproduce. Proper sanitation in pens and barns is central to this because it reduces the environments where parasites eggs and larvae thrive. By regularly cleaning floors and walls, removing manure promptly, changing bedding to keep it dry, and ensuring clean, dry resting areas, you cut down on moisture, waste, and organic matter that flies, lice, mites, and other pests use as habitat or food sources. Clean, well-maintained facilities also make it harder for parasites to transfer between animals and for eggs to accumulate in the environment, breaking part of the life cycle and lowering infestation risk.

In contrast, increasing stocking density raises the amount of waste and contact among animals, which can accelerate parasite spread. Feeding spoiled feed weakens animals and can lead to health problems that make them more susceptible to parasites, but it doesn’t address parasite control directly. Reducing drainage creates stagnant areas that serve as breeding grounds for pests like flies, which can worsen external parasite problems.