Growth response in lambs injected with a long acting microencapsulated Vitamin B 12

Nematode parasites have been a major factor limiting sheep production in New Zealand for more than 100 years. Twenty-nine species of nematodes were unintentionally introduced with sheep into New Zealand, but it is principally species of Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus and Cooperia that are associated with production losses and clinical disease.

The seasonal dynamics of nematode infection are the consequence of complex inter-relationships between the sheep, their husbandry and the prevailing climate. The patterns of pasture contamination by nematode eggs and then larvae, and the subsequent levels of infection in ewes and lambs are broadly similar throughout New Zealand. Numbers of infective larvae on pasture build up over summer to a peak in autumn/early winter with, in some years, a spring peak derived from the parturient rise in faecal nematode egg counts (FEC), expressed in eggs per gram of faeces (epg), in lactating ewes. The immune capability of lambs is initially low but increases with the magnitude and duration of exposure to infection. Once significant immunity has developed (usually by 10–12 months of age), sheep are capable of markedly restricting parasite infection, except during times of disease, malnutrition or stress.

For the effective control of nematode parasites, farmers have come to rely almost exclusively on broad-spectrum anthelmintics. However, issues relating to resistance, residues and eco-toxicity increasingly threaten the sustainability of chemotherapy. In order to maintain present levels of parasite control and productivity in the long term, farmers need to integrate management practices aimed at minimising animal exposure to parasites with reduced reliance on anthelmintics.     

The epidemiology of nematode infections of sheep

Nematode parasites have been a major factor limiting sheep production in New Zealand for more than 100 years. Twenty-nine species of nematodes were unintentionally introduced with sheep into New Zealand, but it is principally species of Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus and Cooperia that are associated with production losses and clinical disease. The seasonal dynamics of nematode infection are the consequence of complex inter-relationships between the sheep, their husbandry and the prevailing climate. The patterns of pasture contamination by nematode eggs and then larvae and the subsequent levels of infection in ewes and lambs are broadly similar throughout New Zealand. Numbers of infective larvae on pasture build up over summer to a peak in autumn/early winter with, in some years, a spring peak derived from the parturient rise in faecal nematode egg counts (FEC), expressed in eggs per gram of faeces (epg), in lactating ewes. The immune capability of lambs is initially low but increases with the magnitude and duration of exposure to infection. Once significant immunity has developed (usually by 10-12 months of age), sheep are capable of markedly restricting parasite infection, except during times of disease, malnutrition or stress. For the effective control of nematode parasites, farmers have come to rely almost exclusively on broad-spectrum anthelmintics. However, issues relating to resistance, residues and eco-toxicity increasingly threaten the sustainability of chemotherapy. In order to maintain present levels of parasite control and productivity in the long term, farmers need to integrate management practices aimed at minimising animal exposure to parasites with reduced reliance on anthelmintics.     

The relative resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection of three British sheep breeds

The relative resistance of Manx Loaghtan, Shetland and Southdown sheep to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infection was assessed over a ten week period. Thirty shearling ewes, ten from each of the three breeds, were co-grazed on an infective pasture. The animals were initially treated with an anthelmintic to minimise previous nematode infection, and faecal samples were collected from individual animals every two weeks. Southdown sheep had significantly higher faecal egg counts (FEC) than Shetland by week 6, and than Manx Loaghtan by week 10. After ten weeks there was an 86-fold difference in FEC between Shetland and Southdown sheep, and a 14-fold difference between Manx Loaghtan and Southdown sheep. These preliminary results suggest that primitive Shetland and Manx Loaghtan sheep may have greater resistance to gastrointestinal parasites, a trait that could be of value to the UK livestock industry.     

Regulation of the resistance to nematode parasites of single- and twin-bearing Merino ewes through nutrition and genetic selection

Periparturient Merino ewes obtained from lines of sheep that had been selected either for increased resistance to Haemonchus contortus (R) or at random (C) were supplemented, while grazing at pasture, with either nil or 250 g/day cottonseed meal (CSM) for the 6 weeks prior to or the 6 weeks after the start of parturition. Ewes from both supplement groups had lower (mean 66% reduction) faecal egg counts (FECs) during the postpartum period and this coincided with a period of maternal body weight loss. Factors which increased the rate of maternal body weight loss, such as pregnancy and lactation status, also increased FEC. Evidence is presented that the magnitude of the periparturient rise (PPR) in FEC in grazing ewes will be greatest during periods of maternal weight loss and at these times supplementation to increase metabolisable protein (MP) supply will be most effective in increasing resistance to nematode parasites. The resistance of R ewes to nematode parasites was greater than that of C ewes throughout the experiment and was sufficiently low such that anthelmintic treatment in a commercial environment may not have been required. Irrespective of actual FEC, ewes from all treatment combinations exhibited a PPR in FEC. Reduced FEC of R ewes resulted in reduced apparent pasture larval contamination after 18 weeks of continuous grazing but supplementation was ineffective in this regard. It is suggested that integrated parasite management (IPM) programs for periparturient ewes should make use of both protein supplementation and genetic selection to increase worm resistance and reduce dependency on anthelmintics for worm control.     

Comparison of naturally acquired parasite burdens among Florida native, Rambouillet and crossbreed ewes.

The response to natural infection by gastrointestinal nematodes was evaluated in three groups of lambing mature ewes: 16 Florida Native; 21 Rambouillet; and 18 1/2 Florida Native x1/2 Rambouillet (F1 generation). Fecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma protein levels were determined periodically through a one-year period. The highest FEC was recorded in Rambouillet ewes, with most of the means higher than 1000 eggs per gram (EPG). Florida Native and F1 ewes showed similar trends in FEC, with most of the means below 500 EPG. The highest mean PCV values were recorded in Florida Native ewes, followed in decreasing order by F1 and Rambouillet ewes. F1 ewes showed the lowest plasma protein levels and Florida Natives the highest. Fecal cultures revealed the highest percentages of Haemonchus larvae in Rambouillet ewes (>64%) and the lowest percentages in Florida Native ewes. Florida Native and F1 ewes were more resistant to gastrointestinal nematode infections than were Rambouillet ewes. High negative correlation coefficients between FEC x PCV and FEC x plasma protein levels coincided with peaks in mean FEC of Rambouillet (May and July), Florida Native and F1 ewes (October). This study showed that crossbreeding Rambouillet and Florida Native sheep resulted in the production of F1 ewes resistant against gastrointestinal nematode infections.     

Resistance to thiabendazole, fenbendazole and levamisole in Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus species in sheep on a Kenyan farm

Resistance to thiabendazole (TBZ), fenbendazole (FBZ) and levamisole (LVM) in naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode parasites in sheep was investigated on a farm where anthelmintic resistance was suspected. This was measured by both the in vitro egg hatch assay, and reductions in faecal egg and worm counts in treated animals. In the egg hatch assay, nematode eggs were incubated in various concentrations of either TBZ or LVM. The level of resistance was expressed as the drug concentration inhibiting 50% of the eggs from hatching (LC50). The nematode population had LC50 values of 0.26 microgram ml-1 TBZ and 3.12 micrograms ml-1 LVM. In the faecal egg and worm count reduction test, naturally infected sheep were treated with either TBZ (88 mg kg-1), FBZ (10 mg kg-1) or LVM (15 mg kg-1). Faecal egg and total worm counts from these sheep were then compared with counts from untreated sheep. TBZ, FBZ and LVM failed to reduce the faecal egg counts and total worm counts by more than 90%. Based on the identification of larvae from faecal cultures, the most predominant nematode species in the resistant population were Haemonchus (62%) and Trichostrongylus (28%). TBZ reduced faecal egg counts for both species by less than 90%. FBZ and LVM also reduced Haemonchus spp. eggs by less than 90%. Other nematode species numbers did not satisfy criteria for the determination of efficacy.     

An assessment of residual ovine nematodes on pasture under maritime conditions.

Residual ovine nematode pasture infections were assessed by grazing groups of ewes and their lambs on permanent sheep and cattle pastures and by the use of tracer lambs. Ostertagia spp., Cooperia oncophora, Nematodirus spp., Chabertia ovina and Trichuris spp. eggs and/or larvae survived on pastures overwinter. Second generation Ostertagia larvae were present in greatest numbers on pasture during the latter part of August and early September. The failure of a significant build-up of Cooperia oncophora was attributed to negligible worm egg output of this species in sheep. A build-up of Nematodirus spp. on pasture was not detected in this study.     

Genetic resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in Rh?n sheep following natural infection.

Genetic parameters of resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes were estimated in Rh?n sheep, a local sheep breed in Germany. In the first year, a total of 131 lambs (born between January and February 1998) from five rams were evaluated. Faecal egg counts (FEC) (n=1528) were measured in all lambs every 2 weeks until 4 months of age and every 4 weeks until 12 months of age in female lambs. In the second year, a total of 129 lambs (born between January and February 1999) from the same rams were evaluated. FEC (n=645) were measured in the lambs every 4 weeks until 5 months of age. Blood was taken in both years at the time of faecal sampling from the jugular vein and haematocrit was measured. Heritabilities for log(10)(FEC+25) were between 0.11 and 0.44. Heritabilities for the corresponding haematocrits were between 0.19 and 0.26 depending on the number of samples taken in account. A significant negative correlation was estimated for the parameters of FEC and daily weight gain (r=-0.57). The results confirm the feasibility of genetic selection in Rh?n sheep for resistance to nematode parasites in an environment where Trichostrongylus spp./Teladorsagia spp., Haemonchus contortus and Cooperia spp. are the dominant species. Breeding decisions can be based on one or two samples depending on the mean values and ranges of FEC and haematocrit, respectively.     

Field trials evaluating ivermectin controlled-release capsules for weaner sheep and for breeding ewes

Objective To confirm the efficacy of ivermectin released from a controlled-release capsule administered to young sheep and to breeding ewes under field conditions. Design Randomised field trials. Procedure In each of ten field trials 25 weaned lambs were treated with ivermectin controlled-release capsules and 25 remained untreated. Eight similar field trials were conducted using adult ewes. Efficacy against infections of gastrointestinal nematodes was assessed by faecal egg counts and faecal larval culture. Body weights were recorded and faecal soiling of the breech wool (dags) was assessed. Results Nematode faecal egg counts in the two groups were not different (P = 0.13) before treatment in the weaner trials or before treatment in the ewe trials (P = 0.49), but thereafter eggs in the untreated sheep persisted, whereas counts in sheep given capsules were negligible (P ≤ 0.01). In the weaner trials, dag scores for the two groups were not different at the start of the trials (P = 0.18) but at the end, untreated sheep had significantly more dags (P = 0.04) than treated sheep. In the ewe trials, dag scores remained low in both groups. Weaners treated with the capsule gained 1.4 kg (95% CL: 0.7, 3.1) more weight over the 16 week trial period compared to untreated weaners (P = 0.01). Both groups of ewes lost weight as a result of parturition but the mean loss by week 16 was greater for untreated (3.7 kg) (95% CL: -5.1,-2.2) than for treated ewes (1.8 kg) (95% CL: -3.3, -0.4). The mean change in ewe body weight for the two groups was however not significant (P = 0.07). Differentiation of nematode larvae recovered from cultures of faeces from untreated animals indicated that the capsules were effective against the common parasites of sheep. Conclusion The capsule was efficacious against gastrointestinal nematodes judging from faecal egg counts. It has the potential to significantly reduce contamination of pasture with nematode eggs. Treated weaners had less dags for 16 weeks and gained more weight than untreated weaners.     

Field studies investigating anthelmintic resistance in young cattle on five farms in New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of pour-on anthelmintics against field strains of parasitic nematodes in young cattle on five farms in New Zealand. METHODS: Faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) tests were carried out on five calf-rearing farms using pour-on formulations of levamisole, ivermectin, eprinomectin, and the simultaneous administration of levamisole and ivermectin. Faecal samples were collected per rectum before treatment and about 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment, for FEC and faecal nematode larval culture. RESULTS: Resistance (i.e. <95% reduction in FEC) of Cooperia oncophora to ivermectin and eprinomectin was identified on all five farms. There was limited evidence of possible emerging resistance in Ostertagia spp to ivermectin but not eprinomectin, in short-tailed larvae of Cooperia spp to ivermectin and eprinomectin, and in Trichostrongylus spp to ivermectin, eprinomectin and levamisole used separately. Levamisole was effective against C. oncophora, but had variable efficacy against Ostertagia spp in the calves in this study. Simultaneous treatment with levamisole and ivermectin pour-on formulations were effective against all genera on all farms. CONCLUSIONS: To effectively manage roundworm parasites in their calves farmers need to be aware of the resistance status of the parasites on their farms. Levamisole is likely to be an effective anthelmintic on most farms at times of the year when the impact of Ostertagia spp is not high. Simultaneous administration of levamisole and ivermectin pour-on anthelmintics to cattle is likely to control both ML-resistant C. oncophora and stages of Ostertagia spp that are not controlled by levamisole alone.     

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on a random sample of beef cattle herds in the North Island of New Zealand. METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole on 60 calves on each of 62 farms in the North Island chosen at random from farms that conformed with the selection criteria. Resistance to an anthelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident. RESULTS: Of the farms that completed the FECRT, 4/61 (7%) showed > or =95% reduction in FEC for all anthelmintics tested. Resistance to ivermectin was evident on 56/61 (92%) farms, to albendazole on 47/62 (76%) farms, and to both ivermectin and albendazole on 45/61 (74%) farms. Resistance to levamisole was evident on only 4/62 (6%) farms. The parasites most prevalent in resistant populations cultured were Cooperia spp. On 45/61 (74%) farms where Cooperia spp were present in sufficient numbers, resistance to both ivermectin and albendazole was evident. No cases of levamisole-resistant Cooperia spp were detected. Resistance of Ostertagia spp to ivermectin was evident on 4/45 (9%) farms, to albendazole on 15/46 (35%) farms, and to levamisole on 4/46 (9%) farms. CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of cattle is common in the North Island of New Zealand. Beef farmers need to be aware of the risks posed by anthelmintic resistance, and routine FECR testing is recommended to ensure optimal productivity and to guide decision-making when purchasing anthelmintics to be used on-farm.     

Managing anthelmintic resistance: untreated adult ewes as a source of unselected parasites, and their role in reducing parasite populations

AIMS: To test the hypotheses that when untreated adult ewes are rotationally grazed (follow behind) on pastures after lambs receiving routine anthelmintic treatments, the ewes can function as a source of unselected parasites in refugia, capable of slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance, and suppress the build-up of parasites resulting from the development of anthelmintic resistance. METHODS: Firstly, the potential of untreated adult ewes to slow the development of anthelmintic resistance, and to suppress parasite populations under differing levels of anthelmintic efficacy, was investigated using a simulation model. Secondly, a field trial with three replicates of each treatment compared two grazing systems (lambs only vs lambs followed by ewes) and two types of anthelmintic, viz albendazole (ALB), to which resistance was present (faecal nematode egg count reduction (FECR)=57-59%) and ivermectin plus levamisole (IL), to which resistance was absent (FECR=97-99%), in a factorial treatment structure. Parasite populations were monitored using faecal nematode egg counts (FEC), faecal larval cultures, pasture larval sampling, and slaughter of tracer lambs. Animal performance was measured using liveweight, dag score, body condition score, and fleece weights. RESULTS: Model simulations indicated that parasites cycling in the untreated ewes could slow the development of resistance being selected for by the anthelmintic treatments given to lambs and this could occur without a nett increase in larval numbers on pasture. Further, as worm control in the lambs declined with increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance the ewes increasingly functioned as nett removers of parasite larvae, effectively reducing parasite population size. In the field trial, untreated adult ewes contributed to pasture infestations of most parasite species, but not Nematodirus spp. Parasite species on pasture and infecting lambs changed when ewes were present, but larval populations on pasture in the autumn were no greater than when lambs grazed alone. In the presence of anthelmintic resistance, parasite populations were reduced when ewes grazed in rotation with lambs, implicating the ewes as nett removers of parasite challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Untreated adult ewes were a source of unselected genotypes, capable of slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance in most, but not all, parasite species. Further, the potential of adult ewes to remove from pasture more parasite larvae than they contribute through faecal contamination indicates a potentially useful role in suppressing parasite populations, particularly when worm control in lambs is less effective as a result of anthelmintic resistance.     

A comparison of the FECPAK and Mini-FLOTAC faecal egg counting techniques

Faecal egg counts (FECs) are used for detecting and quantifying nematode infections and are the basis for determining drug efficacy and anthelmintic resistance in faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs). Currently, several FEC techniques are available for detecting and quantifying eggs of sheep nematodes. A comparison of the egg counts from the FECPAK (with a minimum detection limit of 30 eggs per gram (epg)) and Mini-FLOTAC (with a minimum detection limit of 5 epg) showed better diagnostic performance with Mini-FLOTAC in terms of measurement error (level of over- or under-estimation of FEC) and precision (variability in FEC). A tendency to under-estimate FEC was observed with the FECPAK particularly at egg densities of less than 500 epg. It is concluded that Mini-FLOTAC is a reliable diagnostic tool offering reduced measurement error and a higher level of precision.     

Attempts to control haemonchosis in grazing ewes by vaccination with gut membrane proteins of the parasite

A vaccination trial was conducted to evaluate the potential benefit of Haemonchus contortus gut membrane proteins as vaccine antigens under field conditions in Louisiana. The trial was conducted in the summer of 1996 in a flock of ewes grazing pasture naturally infected with H. contortus. Ewes were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (vaccine, adjuvant only, and saline) and fecal egg counts (FEC, measured as eggs per gram of feces), packed cell volumes (PCV), and antibody levels were monitored fortnightly for 12 weeks. It was shown by FEC that there were large individual variations in susceptibility to H. contortus in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated sheep, a finding which could have masked differences between treatments when analyzed by conventional statistical methods. Based on their egg counts before the period when the vaccination could have had an effect, all ewes were categorized as 'susceptible' or 'relatively resistant'. The significance of differences between FEC, PCV and antibody responses of vaccinated and control sheep were tested separately for the 'susceptible' and 'relatively resistant' category. The 'susceptible' vaccinates shed 65% fewer worm eggs during the period when the vaccine could have had an effect, but the difference was only significant on Week 6 post-vaccination. In these experiments, it was difficult to completely exclude the confounding effect of having 'relatively resistant' sheep in the control group. More studies are needed to further evaluate H11 and H-gal-GP antigens under field conditions.     

Texel sheep are more resistant to natural nematode challenge than Suffolk sheep based on faecal egg count and nematode burden

Limited information is available on differences between sheep breeds with respect to helminth resistance under temperate conditions. The present study was designed to confirm and extend preliminary findings on observed breed differences in resistance to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes in Suffolk and Texel sheep. Three trials were carried out. In trial 1 (1999-2003) lambs co-grazed from birth were faecal sampled at various time points up to 17 weeks of age. Worm burden was assessed at 17 weeks of age from a minimum of six lambs per breed in each of the 3 years. In trial 2, faecal egg count (FEC) was determined on six farms with co-grazed Suffolk and Texel purebred lambs. In trial 3 (2001-2003), ewes were faecal sampled at winter housing. In all three trials, an influence of breed on resistance to naturally acquired trichostrongyle infection was demonstrated. In trial 1, significantly higher FEC and worm burden was observed in Suffolk compared with Texel lambs following natural challenge. In trial 2, FEC recorded in lambs from six farms confirmed the breed differences previously observed. A breed difference in resistance to GI parasites was also observed in older ewes. In both breeds, an age effect on the FEC was observed with younger ewes having greater FEC than older ewes.     

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on a random sample of beef cattle herds in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole on 60 calves on each of 62 farms in the North Island chosen at random from farms that conformed with the selection criteria. Resistance to an anthelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident.

RESULTS: Of the farms that completed the FECRT, 4/61 (7%) showed ≥95% reduction in FEC for all anthelmintics tested. Resistance to ivermectin was evident on 56/61 (92%) farms, to albendazole on 47/62 (76%) farms, and to both ivermectin and albendazole on 45/61 (74%) farms. Resistance to levamisole was evident on only 4/62 (6%) farms. The parasites most prevalent in resistant populations cultured were Cooperia spp. On 45/61 (74%) farms where Cooperia spp were present in suffi cient numbers, resistance to both ivermectin and albendazole was evident. No cases of levamisole-resistant Cooperia spp were detected. Resistance of Ostertagia spp to ivermectin was evident on 4/45 (9%) farms, to albendazole on 15/46 (35%) farms, and to levamisole on 4/46 (9%) farms.

CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of cattle is common in the North Island of New Zealand. Beef farmers need to be aware of the risks posed by anthelmintic resistance, and routine FECR testing is recommended to ensure optimal productivity and to guide decision-making when purchasing anthelmintics to be used on-farm.     

Farm management practices associated with macrocyclic lactone resistance on sheep farms in New Zealand

AIM: To identify farm practices associated with the presence of resistance to a macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintic on sheep farms in New Zealand. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to test for associations between the presence of resistance to an ML anthelmintic (ivermectin) and management practices on sheep farms in New Zealand. Selection of farms was both random (n=80) and purposive (n=32; being farms with a history of suspected ML resistance). Resistance was inferred from faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) tests (FECRTs) when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment with a half dose of ivermectin (0.1 mg/kg). A logistic regression model was built to identify farm-level factors that were associated with the presence or absence of ML resistance. RESULTS: Of the 112 flock managers that were approached for interview, 103 (92%) returned useable questionnaires. The odds of ML resistance were increased: on farms that had used long-acting ML products in ewes as a pre-lambing treatment for > or =3 of the previous 5 years (odds ratio (OR) = 7.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.7-30.3); on farms where <70% of the total stock units mid-winter were from sheep (OR=6.5; 95% CI=1.6-25.6); on farms which over the year purchased >10% of the number of sheep present mid-winter (OR=7.1; 95% CI=1.5-34.7); and on farms where the average wool diameter of the main flock was <37 (OR=4.1; 95% CI=1.1-14.7) microns. The model provided a good fit to the data (pseudo R2=0.64; Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Explanatory factors identified as associated with the presence of ML (ivermectin) resistance on farms included the use of long-acting anthelmintic formulations in ewes pre-lambing, sources of refugia of unselected parasites on the farm, breed of sheep and their requirements for anthelmintic treatments, and the importing of resistant parasites with purchased stock. The study provides support for controls that aim to provide refugia of susceptible worms and that minimise the risk of introduction of resistance through effective quarantine drenching.     

Enhancing immunity to nematode parasites in single-bearing Merino ewes through nutrition and genetic selection

The effectiveness of protein supplementation and genetic selection to enhance the resistance of periparturient Merino ewes to infection from gastrointestinal parasites was tested in a replicated grazing experiment. One hundred and twenty ewes from lines selected for increased resistance (R) to Haemonchus contortus or at random (C) were subjected to one of the three supplement groups that provided 0 or 250 g per day cottonseed meal for 5 weeks prior to, or for 6 weeks after the start of lambing. Faecal egg counts (FEC) of R ewes were consistently lower than those of C ewes but both groups exhibited a periparturient rise in FEC. Supplementation during the pre-partum period reduced FEC and increased ewe body weight gain. The benefits of pre-partum supplementation in reducing FEC continued to be apparent up to 10 weeks after supplementation ceased. There was a strong suggestion that the benefits to parasite resistance from protein supplementation were greatest in C ewes. Wool growth rates (15%) and birth weights (5%) were greater for C ewes but differences between the lines for lamb body weight had disappeared by day 97. The greatest benefit to resistance from protein supplementation was observed when ewes were experiencing a loss of maternal body weight. Conversely, no benefits to resistance were observed when ewes had moderate (78-107 g per day) rates of maternal weight gain. These results suggest that increased resistance as a result of protein supplementation is dependent on the prevailing supply and demand for scarce nutrients such as metabolisable protein (MP). Both genetic selection and protein nutrition are effective strategies to enhance host resistance to nematode infection during the periparturient period.     

Seasonal variations in the gastro-intestinal nematode populations of Scottish hil sheep.

In each of two consecutive years, groups of breeding ewes were removed from a hill farm in the west of Scotland on four occasions, namely late pregnancy, early lactation, autumn and early winter. At slaughter the major nematode genus present in the alimentary tract was Ostertagia, with O circumcincta the predominant species but three species previously found in Scottish hill sheep, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Strongyloides papillosis and Chabertia ovina were absent. An absolute increase in total nematode burden and faecal egg count was apparent in the ewes commencing in late pregnancy, reaching a maximum during lactation and falling again in autumn and early winter. This peri-parturient increase in the nematode population could not be solely attributed to the maturation of previously inhibited larval stages but was primarily the result of the development of recently ingested infection; the latter situation thought to be due to a temporary relaxation of immunological response by the ewe at parturition or early lactation. Serum pepsinogen values in ewes remained elevated throughout the grazing season and were always higher than those of their lambs, suggesting that the ewe, although allowing few parasites to become established, was under considerable challenge in the autumn. The worm burdens of the lambs were always low in autumn and early winter with Ostertagia spp being the major genus present during the autumn and Trichostrongylus spp being the predominant genus during the early winter.     

The epidemiology of abomasal nematodes of sheep in Sweden, with particular reference to over-winter survival strategies

In May 2002, studies on the seasonal patterns of nematode infection of sheep were undertaken on four commercial sheep farms in southern Sweden, which had previously reported problems with nematode parasitism, especially due to Haemonchus contortus. One farm was used for intensive investigation. This entailed the establishment of two replicate groups of sheep, each consisting of 20 ewes and their lambs, on adjacent pasture paddocks. The seasonal patterns of nematode infection were followed by regular (approximately monthly) sampling of both ewes and lambs for nematode faecal egg counts and larval differentiation, and the sequential use of replicate groups of tracer lambs. H. contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta were the most abundant nematode species, with the former most prevalent in the post-parturient faecal egg counts of ewes. Tracer worm counts showed almost 100% arrested development in the early fourth larval stage for H. contortus as early as mid-summer and the numbers of parasites progressively increased during the season. T. circumcincta also showed high levels of arrested development, but not as early, or as absolute, as for H. contortus. Tracers allocated to the paddocks at the time of turn-out following winter in May 2003, showed virtually a total absence of H. contortus in contrast to exceedingly high infections with T. circumcincta. Results of the three additional monitoring flocks supported these findings. It can be concluded that under Swedish sheep farming conditions, H. contortus has evolved to survive the long, cold winters entirely within the host as the arrested larval stage, relying on the lambing ewe to complete its life cycle. The peri-parturient relaxation of resistance in the ewes triggers the resumption of development to the adult egg-laying parasites to result in pasture contamination and the completion of just one parasite generation/year. In contrast, T. circumcincta can survive well over-winter, both on pasture and within the host.