Anthelmintics are added to feed to control stomach and intestinal __________.

Anthelmintics are specifically designed to target and control parasitic worms within the digestive system of animals. These medications disrupt the lifecycle of these worms, which can include nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes, effectively reducing their population and the associated health risks they pose to livestock. The use of anthelmintics in animal feed helps to prevent potential infestations and improve the overall health and productivity of the animals by ensuring better nutrient absorption and reducing gastrointestinal distress.

The focus on worms rather than other types of infections or parasites is crucial. While infections could involve bacteria or other organisms, anthelmintics are not effective against those; they are specially formulated to target worms. This specificity is what makes the inclusion of anthelmintics in livestock feed a fundamental practice in managing worm-related health issues in animals.