Turbo Initial is a dual-active oral drench with the added benefit of prevention against coccidiosis; it is believed that Turbo Initial is the only product globally that has the simultaneous purpose of controlling internal parasites and coccidia at the same time. Turbo Initial also contains cobalt and selenium to assist with trace element supplementation.
Turbo initial is specifically formulated for calves around weaning time when the protection that they have received from a coccidiostat in the meal is about to be removed and the calf’s innate immunity to control coccidia has not yet developed to its full potential.
Turbo Initial contains Levamisole and Eprinomectin; which is one of the more potent active ingredients in the group. This combination of active ingredients gives this product a high margin of safety. The manufacturer indicates that Turbo Initial can be used in calves under 120kgs when other drenches containing abamectin (a different active from the mectin group) should ideally not be used in animals under this weight. It is still highly recommended that calves are weighed, and then given the accurate dose of drench to prevent under or overdosing. It may pay to split lines of calves into two or more mobs based on body weight to facilitate correct drench dosing.
Diclazuril has been included in Turbo Initial, which works to aid in the control of coccidiosis. Studies in New Zealand have shown that faecal output of coccidia oocysts is decreased for 70 days after treatment with Turbo Initial – leading to reduced contamination of the environment. Diclazuril also works to remove coccidia which were present in the gut at the time of treatment.
Turbo Initial is most effectively used as a first drench in calves at weaning time when there is evidence of coccidiosis having caused problems in the past, or when a faecal egg count is performed on samples from calves and shows that there is a high or increasing number of coccidia oocysts present. If there is no history of coccidia on the property, and there is no evidence of coccidiosis in faecal samples, then the use of Turbo Initial may be surplus to requirement and another product, such as Turbo Advance or a different oral drench would be recommended. Turbo Advance contains the same two active ingredients for internal parasites, but does not contain diclazuril. Turbo Initial may be used at a later date if there is any developing evidence of coccidiosis.
When using Turbo Initial, this product would generally only be used once during the drenching plan. Subsequent drenches would be given with either Turbo Advance, or another oral or pour-on product – depending on the recommendation of your vet.
