Strategic Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Dairy Calves in Florestal,Minas Gerais,Brazil

Following epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in dairy cattle in Florestal County, Minas Gerais, 80 Swiss and crossbred Zebu×Holstein calves, 8–10-months old, were selected to test the efficacy of three treatment protocols using ivermectin for helminth control. The calves were treated in Brachiaria grass paddocks, naturally infected with Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus species, and then divided into four groups of 20 animals each: group 1 was treated with 200 g/kg body weight ivermectin in April (at the end of the rainy season) and October (beginning of the rainy season); group 2 was treated in April, August (middle of the dry season) and October; group 3 was treated in April, August, October and December (middle of the rainy season); and group 4 was left untreated as a control. The treatments effectively eliminated the worm burden only in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05), although the calves continued to excrete Cooperia eggs after each treatment with ivermectin.     

Serum pepsinogen levels to monitor gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle revisited

The serum pepsinogen level is widely accepted as a useful parameter for monitoring gastrointestinal nematode infections in first-season grazing calves. However, several aspects, with possible implications for its practicality and the way to use the pepsinogen test, have received little attention to date. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) the reproducibility of a pepsinogen assay; (2) the required sample size for a reliable diagnosis and (3) the compliance to and effect of advice based on pepsinogen levels determined in year one on the nematode infection levels in the next generation of calves. Despite a high repeatability of the pepsinogen assay within the reference lab, the reproducibility between different labs was poor. There was more variation in pepsinogen levels between herds than between animals within a herd, suggesting that it is most useful to make a herd level diagnosis. Sample size calculation indicated that sampling seven animals sufficed to obtain a reliable indication of calf groups of up to 40 animals. Eighty-two herds were followed-up over two consecutive years and 39 (48%) had followed the advice that was formulated based on pepsinogen levels. Thirty-nine percent of the herds were advised to reduce the intensity of chemoprophylaxis. Samples from animals of those herds showed a higher pepsinogen level in the second year, but none of them had a mean pepsinogen level that is considered excessive. It is concluded that pepsinogen determination at housing from a limited number of animals can contribute to the design of the anthelmintic control strategy in the next year and a more targeted use of anthelmintics. However, more efforts are needed to harmonize the assay between veterinary diagnostic labs.     

Grazing History Effects on Rangeland Biomass,Cover and Diversity Responses to Fire and Grazing Utilization

Exclusion of large grazers from rangelands that evolved with significant grazing pressure can alter natural processes and may have legacy effects by changing magnitude or direction of community responses to subsequent disturbance. Three moderately grazed pastures were paired with 12-ha areas with 15 yr of livestock exclusion. Six treatments were assigned to each in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of fire (fall fire or no fire) and grazing utilization (0%, 50%, or 75% biomass removal) to determine grazing history effects on rangeland response to subsequent disturbance. Livestock exclusion increased C₃ perennial grass (1 232 vs. 980 ± 50 kg ? ha^-1) and forbs (173 vs. 62 ± 19 kg ? ha^-1) and reduced C₄ perennial grass (36 vs. 180 ± 25 kg ? ha^-1) with no effect on total current-year biomass. Diversity was greater in pastures than exclosures (H’ = 1.5400 vs. 1.3823 ± 0.0431). Every biomass, cover, and diversity measure, except subshrub biomass, was affected by fire, grazing utilization, or both. Contrary to expectations, grazing history only interacted with fire effects for old standing dead material and interactions with grazing utilization were limited to old dead, bare ground, richness and dominance. Fire by grazing utilization interaction was limited to bare ground. Fire reduced annual grass (64 vs. 137 ± 29 kg ? ha^-1), forbs (84 vs. 133 ± 29 kg ? ha^-1), and diversity (H’ = 1.3260 vs. 1.5005 ± 0.0537) with no difference in total current-year biomass (1 557 vs. 1 594 ± 66 kg ? ha^-1). Grazing to 75% utilization reduced total current-year biomass (1 467 vs. 1 656 ± 66 kg ? ha^-1) and dominance (0.4824 vs. 0.5584 ± 0.0279). Grazing history affected starting points for most variables, but changes caused by grazing utilization or fire were similar between pastures and exclosures, indicating management decisions can be made based on independent knowledge of grazing or fire effects.     

Effects of Twice-Over Rotational Grazing on Songbird Nesting Success in Years With and Without Flooding

Rotational grazing is sometimes promoted for grassland bird conservation, but the benefits to wildlife have not been comprehensively documented. We examined effects of twice-over rotational grazing on nesting success of grassland songbirds in southwestern Manitoba, Canada in comparison to season-long grazing. We monitored nesting attempts and collected structural vegetation data in 2011 (during a 1/300 flood event), and 2012 (average water levels), for five species of obligate grassland bird species (n = 110) and one shrub-nesting species (n = 41). Nesting analyses were conducted using logistic exposure models. Nesting success was 2.4 to 4 times lower in twice-over grazed pastures compared with season-long grazed pastures, perhaps because of the increased cattle density during the short grazing periods of the twice-over system. Nests protected by shrubs from grazing activities of cattle did not show this pattern. The grazing system did not have an effect on vegetation structure. This suggests that twice-over rotational grazing does not benefit grassland songbirds in northern mixed-grass prairies, and that caution must be taken before implementing this grazing system in areas intended to promote biodiversity conservation.     

The Prevalence and Intensity of Helminth and Coccidial Infections in Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

A survey of gastrointestinal parasite infections of young (<6 months old), immature (6–12 months old) and adult (>12 months old) dairy cattle on 16 farms in Kiambu District, Kenya was conducted during a dry season (September 1991 to January 1992) and during a wet season (March to July 1992). The survey was based on monthly coproparasitological examination of cohorts and worm counts in tracer calves. The effects of age, sex, farm and season on the prevalence and intensity of helminth and coccidial infections were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts revealed that the overall prevalences were: strongyles (including trichostrongyles) (85.5%), liver flukes (Fasciola gigantica) (34.0%), coccidia (30.9%) and tapeworms (9.6%). Eight species of the protozoan Eimeria were identified, the most prevalent species being E. bovis and E. zuernii. The most prevalent nematode genera were Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus. Season, farm and age of the animals had a significant (p<0.05) influence on the intensity of infection with strongyles, liver flukes and coccidia, whereas the sex of the animals had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the prevalence or intensity of infections. A higher intensity of infection with strongyles and coccidia was found in the wet season than in the dry season (p<0.05). The age-specific intensity was in the following order: for strongyles, immature animals of 6–12 months of age had the highest egg counts, followed by young calves and adults. Calves had significantly (p<0.05) higher oocyst counts than immatures or adults. Liver fluke egg counts did not differ significant (p>0.05) between immatures and adult cattle.     

夏季飞来昆虫对放牧牛体表护理行为的影响

飞来昆虫多发生在夏季，为了减少放牧应激，有必要定量化地研究飞来昆虫对放牧牛体表护理行为的影响。本文研究证明飞来昆虫对放牧牛体表护理行为的影响随飞来昆虫数量的变化而变化。摆尾次数占总体表护理行为的50．6％～65．5％。由此可见，夏季飞来昆虫对放牧牛诱发的体表护理行为以摆尾行为为主，因此摆尾行为可作为把握牛体表上飞来昆虫数的指标。     

The Effect of Treatment with a 1% Injectable Formulation of Moxidectin during the Rainy Season and at the Beginning of the Dry Season on Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Cattle from Communal Areas in Zimbabwe

The effect of 1% moxidectin/cydectin at 0.2 mg/kg live weight on gastrointestinal nematodes and on the growth of calves, weaners and cows was investigated in five communal areas on the highveld of Zimbabwe. Three field experiments were carried out between March 1996 and June 1997. In experiment 1, treatment was administered in all five areas at the end of the rainy season in March 1996, followed by a further treatment at the beginning of the dry season in May/June 1996. In experiment 2, the treatment was administered in three areas at the end of the rainy season in March 1997. In experiment 3, treatment was administered in one area at the beginning of the dry season in April 1997. Large numbers of eggs were present in the faeces of calves and weaners at the start of experiments 1 and 2. Epg values were lower in cows and in all age categories in experiment 3. There was a statistically significant reduction in epg values in calves, weaners and cows following treatment with a reduction of 90–99% in all cases except in cows in experiment 3, where no meaningful assessment was possible owing to the low egg counts in both the treated and control cows. The dominating larval types in faecal cultures were Cooperia and Haemonchus. Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum and Bunostomum were also found. Following treatment, Haemonchus was suppressed far more than Cooperia. This may be related to a longer residual effect against abomasal parasites like Haemonchus in comparison to small intestinal worms like Cooperia. Anthelmintic treatment conferred significant weight gain advantages (p<0.05) on treated calves, weaners and cows. The weight gains are discussed in relation to disease and nutrition.     

牦牛和藏羊混合放牧对放牧家畜采食量和植物补偿性生长的影响

为探究放牧方式对青藏高原高寒草地家畜的采食量和植物补偿生长的影响,本试验在环青海湖流域高寒草地设置放牧方式（牦牛单独放牧、藏羊单独放牧、牦牛和藏羊1：2混牧、牦牛和藏羊1：4混牧、牦牛和藏羊1：6混牧）控制试验,以期确定草地的承载力,并为制定合理的草地管理措施提供依据。试验结果表明：在群落水平上,家畜的采食量在藏羊（Ovis aries）单独放牧以及牦牛（Bos grunniens）与藏羊1：2混牧方式下,显著高于其他方式（P<0.05）;在功能群水平上,藏羊单独放牧与牦牛和藏羊1：2混牧这2种放牧方式下家畜对豆科植物的采食量较高;藏羊单独放牧与牦牛和藏羊1：2混牧植物的补偿生长能力显著高于其他放牧方式（P<0.05）。研究表明：藏羊单独放牧时,其采食量最高;牦牛和藏羊1：2混牧的放牧方式对植物补偿性生长的促进作用最明显。因此,从放牧家畜采食量与植物补偿生长两方面考虑,在青藏高原高寒草地藏羊单独放牧与牦牛和藏羊1：2混牧的放牧方式较为合理。     

Effects of Teladorsagia (Ostertagia) circumcincta infection on lambs selected for high fleece weight

The physiological processes leading to the expression of the resilient phenotype, which allow animals to maintain a relatively higher production level during infection, have been investigated in lambs from a closed flock selected for 40 generations for high fleece weight (HFW), but with higher FEC and worm burdens than their unselected control (C) flock run in parallel. After recovery from surgery to implant abomasal cannulae, eight parasite-naïve lambs from each flock were infected intraruminally at 4.5 months-of-age with 50,000 Teladorsagia circumcincta L3. Blood, abomasal fluid and faecal samples were collected daily for measurement of serum gastrin and pepsinogen concentrations, blood eosinophils, abomasal pH and FEC. Four lambs from each flock were euthanased on Day 8 post-infection and the other four on Day 28 post-infection. At necropsy, abomasal contents and tissues were collected for worm counts, abomasal lymph nodes and fundic tissue for cytokine gene expression and fundic tissue for histopathology. Expression of resilience appeared to be age-dependent as there were no significant differences in either FEC or worm burden between lambs from the two flocks, unlike older HFW lambs in a previous study. Abomasal secretion did not differ between flocks. Histopathological changes were typical of parasitism: inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils and lymphocytes, were numerous in nodular areas and there were fewer TGF-α positive parietal cells, many of which were vacuolated. By Day 28 p.i., globule leucocytes were present. Mucosal thickness was significantly greater on Day 8 than Day 28 p.i. (p = 0.000) and in C than HFW lambs. There were fewer parietal cells on Day 28 than on Day 8 p.i. (p = 0.003) for pooled data. Circulating eosinophil counts increased moderately in both groups, significantly less in the HFW lambs. Fewer tissue and blood eosinophils in the HFW than C group on Day 8 p.i. were consistent with cytokine gene expression patterns, particularly lower IL-5 levels. Worm count decreased by 90% by Day 28 p.i., along with declining tissue eosinophil counts and IL-13 gene expression and increasing IL-10 and IL-4 gene expression. Food intake was depressed less in the HFW lambs, suggesting that maintenance of appetite could be an important aspect of the physiological basis for resilience. Although the resilient phenotype was not apparent at the younger age, lesser effects on food intake, differences in ALN cytokine profiles and lower blood and tissue eosinophil numbers in the HFW lambs may lead to the expression of resilience when older.     

Epidemiological Studies on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections of Lambs in the Coastal Savanna Regions of Ghana

The types of gastrointestinal parasites (Eimeria and helminths) encountered by 70 lambs and the seasonal pattern of both Eimeria and strongylate infections in these lambs in the derived Coastal Savanna were followed for three years. Eimeria oocysts and helminth eggs were detected in the faeces of lambs at the same time, indicating the concurrence of both Eimeria and helminth infections. Eimeria oocysts were first seen in the lambs 20 days after birth (DAB) and the level of oocyst output increased by the fourth week. Eimeria species identified in the lambs were E. parva, E. pallida, E. faurei, E. ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. intricata, E. granulosa, E. ovinoidalis and, occasionally, E. marsica. E. ovinoidalis, the most pathogenic species, dominated the oocyst output during the early part of the life of the lambs. Strongyloides papillosus eggs appeared at 46 DAB, preceding strongylate nematode eggs, which were seen at 57 DAB and those of Moniezia at 69 DAB. The pattern of Eimeria oocyst output paralleled that of the worm egg output, and high oocyst and strongylate worm egg counts corresponded with the period of high rainfall during the study period. Although oocyst and worm egg output fluctuated, high Eimeria oocyst counts were seen again in the lambs when they were 1 and 2 years old. Haemonchus species formed 71% of the infective larvae revealed by larval culture.     

科尔沁牛春季的牧食行为

2002年春季在内蒙古科左后旗的天然草场上,采用跟群放牧全日观察法,定量研究了自然放牧状态下成年科尔沁牛牧食行为。结果表明,科尔沁牛的平均采食时间为511.36±222.07min,反刍时间为66.38±14.60min,卧息时间为46.50±42.97min,站立时间为10.75±7.98min,游走时间为58.10±20.13min。平均采食速度为62.00±13.04口/分,平均采食量为10.38千克/头·天。对苔草草甸进行的受控放牧试验表明,主要牧草的选择性采食顺序为香茅>蒲公英>马蔺>芦苇>苔草。     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

海晏县沼泽草场牛羊放牧情况及同盘吸虫感染调查

为了解海晏县沼泽草场放牧牛羊及同盘吸虫感染等情况而进行了本调查,结果为：沼泽草场放牧户占到全县总放牧户数的9.27%,放牧牛羊分别占到全县牛羊总数的10.93%和12.65%。77.78%的沼泽草场放牧户牛羊感染同盘吸虫,而牛群和羊群同盘吸虫感染率分别达到了59.26%和48.15%;牛羊群体混合感染率40.74%;牛羊个体同盘吸虫感染率分别为14.83%和17.04%。结果还表明专业技术人员等对同盘吸虫病了解不足,区域间感染率差别较大,牛羊感染率有上升的趋势,证明现在使用的驱除药物对同盘吸虫虫卵阳性率降低很不理想,今后对本病的预防知识普及宣传及技术培训、驱除药物研制和筛选、湿地椎实螺的防治十分迫切。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Specific Antibodies of Pasteurella multocida in Newborn Calves of Vaccinated Dams

Twenty-five newborn Holstein Friesian calves, from dams vaccinated against haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS), were tested repeatedly over the first 6 months of life to monitor the transferred antibody levels against HS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the specific HS antibodies with antigens from Pasteurella multocida strains B:2 and E:2. There was a significant curvilinear relationship between the monitored IgG response and the age of the calves. Peak serum IgG levels were obtained during the period from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Beyond this age, the concentration of IgG in the serum fell away.     

Study on Supplementary Quantity of Grazing Beef Cattle in Spring in Inner Mongolia Grassland

The experiment was conducted to study the optimal supplementary feeding quantity of grazing beef cattle in spring in Inner Mongolia grassland.Seventy-five Simmental beef cattle with average weight of (281.19±17.15)kg were selected and divided into 5 groups (group A,B,C,D and E) with 15 replicates per group.Those cattle grazed optionally and supplemented with 0,0.8,1.7,2.5,3.4 kg/d concentrate,respectively,according to beef cattle weight of 0,0.3%,0.6%,0.9% and 1.2%.Pre-trial period was 15 d,the trial period was 60 d.The results showed that,with the increasing of concentrate supplementation,the daily gain of beef cattle was gradually significant increased (P < 0.05);Group D were 331.25%,130.00% and 38.00% higher than that of group A,B and C,respectively,the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05).The daily income of group D was 11.22 yuan and were 183.33%,102.53%,36.17%,20.52% significantly higher than that of group A,B,C and E (P < 0.05),the fattening income of group D was the highest.According to above results,the optimum adding levels was 2.5 kg/d in spring under the condition of grazing in Inner Mongolia.The higher daily gain and higher economic benefits could be obtained under the optimal supplementary feeding quantity.     

内蒙古草原放牧肉牛春季补饲量的研究

试验旨在研究内蒙古草原放牧肉牛春季最佳补饲量。选择75头体重为(281.19±17.15)kg的健康西门塔尔杂交肉牛随机分为5组(A、B、C、D、E组),每组15头牛,1头牛为1个重复。各组分别按体重的0、0.3%、0.6%、0.9%及1.2%补饲精料,依次为0、0.8、1.7、2.5及3.4 kg/d,其他放牧条件相同。预试期15 d,正试期60 d。结果表明,随着精料补饲量的增加,肉牛的平均日增重依次显著增加(P < 0.05),D组平均日增重较A、B、C组分别提高331.25%、130.00%及38.00%,日粮中干物质和粗蛋白质的表观消化率显著高于其他各组(P < 0.05);D组日均收入为11.22元,分别较A、B、C及E组显著提高了183.33%、102.53%、36.17%及20.52%(P < 0.05),育肥效益最好。综合以上结果,内蒙古草原春季放牧条件下,肉牛每天的最佳补饲量为2.5 kg,在此条件下可获得较高的日增重及较高的经济收益。     

牦牛藏羊混合放牧对高寒草地紫花针茅功能性状的影响

植物功能性状是植物响应草地变化的主要指标,对于了解草地发展进程具有重要意义.本试验对牦牛、藏羊混合放牧(不同放牧方式)下对紫花针茅(Stipa purpurea)叶片元素含量(碳含量、氮含量、碳氮比)及种群表型性状指标(植株高度、单株重、叶厚、比叶面积)进行测定,旨在明确放牧方式对紫花针茅的影响.结果显示:不同放牧方式...     

牦牛夏秋季和冬季各草场牧食行为的研究

2004年8、9和11月份在青海省三角城种羊场夏、秋、冬三季牧场研究了牦牛的昼牧食行为。结果表明:牦牛在夏季草场的昼采食时间最长,平均为(337.45±39.96)min,在秋季和冬季草场的平均昼采食时间分别为(301.82±27.91)min和(304.57±12.24)min。另外,在夏季草场没有观测到牦牛的昼卧息和反刍行为。其主要原因是在夏季草场牛羊放牧压力过大,草地不能为牦牛提供足够的饲草,故牦牛延长采食时间以获取最大量的饲草,因此用于其他行为的时间相对减少。牦牛在秋冬季草场的昼反刍时间分别为(86.22±14.24)min和(53.84±13.93)min,秋季草场高于冬季草场。牦牛在秋季草场的昼站立和游走时间也高于夏季草场和冬季草场。其主要原因是由于秋季草场草产量丰富,质量较好。由于冬季草场气候寒冷,牧草枯黄,质量降低,牦牛的昼卧息时间最长。