Animated LIFECYCLE of the Gutworm

Lifecycle of the gutworm Both Ostertagia and Cooperia have a direct life cycle, with no intermediate host. Adult worms living in the gut lay eggs which are passed out in the dung. Eggs hatch within the dungpat and develop into infective larvae. Larvae can exist for several months on pasture, ready to infect grazing animals. Once eaten, infective Cooperia larvae develop into adults within three weeks.