Beef and dairy production is an important part of Norwegian livestock industry. Production takes place in all parts of Norway and in many regions, where crop production is challenging, grass based livestock production is the only way to utilize farmland and uncultivated areas for food production. In order to exploit these resources in an efficient way, good animal health and control of clinical and subclinical production limiting disease, is necessary. Parasites infecting grazing cattle (pasture parasites, PP) can cause clinical disease and reduced production efficiency (e.g. reduced growth rate and milk yield). Improved management of PP, including prevention of anthelmintic resistance , will contribute to a more efficient and economically sustainable production based on grazing resources all over the country. Additionally, it can contribute to increased self-sufficiency of beef in the Norwegian market.
Livestock production has significant environmental impacts including greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions are closely related to ruminants, particularly the number of beef and dairy cattle. An efficient production, with healthy, high yielding and fast growing animals, is favourable regarding emission of greenhouse gases. In sheep, it has been shown that gastrointestinal nematodes may increase emission of methane with 33%. As better control of pasture parasites can contribute to improved efficiency, it can also contribute to the environmental sustainability of Norwegian cattle production. The livestock industry often attracts negative attention regarding animal welfare and greenhouse gas emission. Proactive efforts to tackle important factors for animal welfare and the environment can influence consumers´ perception of cattle production positively and consequently their consumption patterns, to the benefit of the Norwegian livestock industry.
