Integrating banana and ruminant production in the French West Indies

Using a mechanistic model, we compared five alternative farming systems with the purpose of transforming monoculture (MON) banana farms into mixed farming systems (MFS) with ruminants feeding banana by-products (leaves, pseudostems and nonmarketable fruits) and forage from the fallow land. The paper presents the main structure of the model (land surface changes, available biomass for animals, stocking rates, productive or reproductive indicators), and impact assessment (change in farm productivity) is discussed. Five MFS with typical local ruminant production systems were used to compare MON to the strategies using forage from fallow and/or integrating Creole cattle (CC), Creole goats (CG) or Martinik sheep (MS) into banana farming. One hectare MON shifted into an MFS allows a stocking rate of 1,184, 285, and 418 kg of live weight per hectare for CC, CG and MS, respectively. Banana by-products seem to be better valorized by the CC scenario. However, parameters such as length of the cycle, local prices for cattle, goat and sheep meat, work time and farmer's skills in ruminant management may have been taken into account by the farmer when choosing the ruminant species to rear.     

Lamb and Kid Mortality in Village Flocks in the Coastal Savanna Zone of Ghana

A cohort study was designed to observe and follow up mortality in lambs and kids in 88 flocks of sheep and goats under the traditional production system in five villages within the coastal savanna zone of Ghana over a 2-year period. The overall mortality rates for kids and lambs were 30.8% and 33.5%, respectively. Significantly higher proportions of kids (80.2%) and lambs (75.6%) up to 3 months of age died compared to kids and lambs from 4 to 12 months of age. The differences in mortality rates, either between male and female kids and lambs or between single-born and multiple-birth kids and lambs, were not significant. The odds ratio (OR) and relative risks (RR) for lambs and kids, on the basis of sex and birth types, were not significant; neither were the values obtained for attributable risk, attributable fraction, population attributable risk and population attributable fraction. The overall mortality rate on the basis of species of animal was not significant. At the village level, significant differences in the proportions of mortality on the basis of sex were seen in two villages. At Akotokyir, more male lambs (54.2%) died compared to females (27.6%), while at Apewosika more female lambs (42.2%) died compared to males (16.7%). The only significant difference in mortality proportions on the basis of birth type at the village level was seen at Apewosika, where more single-born kids died (52.8%) compared to kids born with sibling(s) (28.4%). The significant ORs for mortalities were 3.10 for male lambs at Akotokyir, 3.35 for female lambs at Apewosika and 2.82 for single-born kids at Apewosika. The corresponding RRs were equally significant. On the basis of species, significantly more lambs died at Akotokyir (44.2%) and Kwesimprah (44.7%) compared to kids. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Village production of West African Dwarf goats and sheep in Nigeria

Results from a 41 month study of West African Dwarf goats and sheep under village conditions in south-west Nigeria are reported. Even at a very low level of management these trypanosomiasis-tolerant animals produced 2.01 kids or 1.51 lambs per dam per year. Mortality of young particularly kids and low growth rates limit production. Of these mortality is probably the first constraint to increased productivity and profitability. Control of peste des petits ruminants appears to significantly reduce mortality and should stimulate the further development of this production system.     

Prevalence and characteristics of attaching and effacing strains of Escherichia coil isolated from diarrheic and healthy sheep and goats

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) in diarrheic and healthy small ruminants. ANIMALS: 502 lambs and kids with diarrhea and 511 healthy sheep and goats. PROCEDURE: Fecal samples from diarrheic and healthy sheep and goats were screened for the eae gene. In addition, E coli isolates with positive results for the eae gene (E coli eae+) were analyzed for the espB gene, production of verotoxins (VT), and serogroup. RESULTS: A significantly higher prevalence of healthy lambs and kids were infected with AEEC, compared with diarrheic lambs and kids and healthy adult sheep and goats. Some differences in the characteristics of E coli eae strains isolated from diarrheic and healthy animals were detected. Thus, the espB gene was detected more frequently among E coli eae+ strains isolated from healthy animals than in those isolated from diarrheic animals, and VT production was only detected in E coli eae+ strains isolated from healthy lambs and kids. The E coli eae+ isolates belonged to several O serogroups. However, 17 of 40 (42.5%) isolates from diarrheic lambs and only 4 of 168 (2.4%) isolates from healthy sheep belonged to serogroup 026. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that E coli eae+ 026 strains may play a role in diarrheal disease in lambs, whereas E coli eae+ strains that also had VT production and eae+ strains that had positive results for the espB gene did not appear to be associated with diarrhea in small ruminants.     

Influence of macronutrients and polyethylene glycol on intake of a quebracho tannin diet by sheep and goats

We determined if supplemental macronutrients or polyethylene glycol (PEG) influenced intake of a tannin diet. Sheep (lambs 5 mo age, 36 kg) and goats (kids 7 mo age, 32 kg) were fed supplements high in either energy or protein or offered a choice between the two supplements before and after receiving a meal containing 15% quebracho tannin. The effect of PEG, a compound that attenuates the negative effects of tannins, was assessed by offering PEG while animals consumed the tannin diet for 4 h/d. Intake of the tannin diet was influenced by both macronutrients and PEG. Animals that chose their own supplements or that received the high-protein supplement, consumed more of the tannin diet than animals fed the high-energy supplement: 34 and 36 vs 31 g/kg(0.75) (lambs) and 41 and 39 vs 34 g/kg(0.75) (kids), respectively (P < 0.05). Animals supplemented with PEG ate much more of the tannin diet than unsupplemented animals: 70 vs 39 g/kg(0.75) (lambs) and 63 vs 34 g/kg(0.75) (kids), respectively (P < 0.001). Sheep and goats consumed more tannin food when given PEG than when supplemented with macronutrients (51 and 38 g/kg(0.75), P < 0.001). Sheep and goats offered a choice between supplements consumed more CP than animals fed the high-energy supplement and more ME than animals fed the high-protein supplement (P < 0.05). In so doing, they selected a combination of foods that yielded a more balanced intake of macronutrients, while achieving high levels of intake of the tannin food. Sheep and goats can be used as an environmentally safe and economically sound means to reduce the abundance of tannin-rich vegetation. Macronutrients and PEG enhance use of tannin-containing plants, which may increase production of alternate forages and create a more diverse mix of species in a plant community.     

Reproductive performance is improved during seasonal anoestrus when female and male Murciano-Granadina goats receive melatonin implants and in Payoya goats when females are thus treated

This work investigates whether the reproductive performance of Mediterranean goats achieved using melatonin implants at around the spring equinox is affected by the protocol followed, i.e. implanting females only, males only, both sexes or neither sex. In a first experiment, Murciano-Granadina females (n = 419, 510 and 631 for three consecutive years) were divided into four groups: treated with melatonin (FM) and not treated with melatonin (FC), mounted by males treated with melatonin (MM) or not (MC). In a second experiment, performed during 2009, the same protocols were used with 635 Payoya females and the results compared with those obtained for the same year for the Murciano-Granadina breed. Fertility (percentage of goats kidding), litter size (number of kids born per female kidded) and productivity (number of kids per female in each mating group) were calculated. In the first experiment, better reproductive performances were obtained when females (overall fertility: 71.1% vs 57.0% for the FM and FC animals; productivity 1.37 ± 0.04 kids per female vs 1.12 ± 0.03 kids per female for the FM and FC animals; p < 0.01) or males (overall fertility: 65.9% vs 58.4 for the MM and MC animals; productivity 1.28 ± 0.03 kids per female vs 1.13 ± 0.04 kids per female for MM and MC groups, respectively; p < 0.01) were implanted with melatonin. Moreover, the interaction sex × melatonin treatment had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on productivity. In the second experiment, for the Murciano-Granadina breed, the greatest increase in the number of kids born per female was obtained when the females were treated with melatonin, in either the FM/MC or FM/MM protocols (0.54 extra kids and 0.53 extra kids per female, respectively) (p < 0.01). In the Payoya breed, the greatest increase was obtained using the FM/MC protocol (0.19 extra kids per female). Thus, improved reproductive performances are obtained when female Murciano-Granadina and Payoya goats are implanted with melatonin, although important differences in reproductive performance are seen between the breeds.     

2. Veld reinforcement for increased meat production

A programme of radical veld improvement applied on a farm in a cool, high rainfall area of East Griqualand is described. The veld was burnt in spring and fertilized with 300 kg/ha superphosphate and 45 to 60 kg/ha N. It was then heavily grazed with cattle and sheep during summer, using an eight‐camp rotational system, and in February it was oversown with cocksfoot and given a further 45 kg/N/ha. Grazing, with cattle only, continued into autumn. In the second year clover was sod‐seeded into part of the area.

With the eight‐camp grazing system, the number of MLU grazing days per ha increased from 161 on unimproved veld to 411 in the third year after improvement. In addition, the conception rate of cows increased from 85% to 97% and lambs could be run on the area which previously would support only mature, dry sheep.     

Outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing cesarean section because of dystocia: 110 cases (1981-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing a cesarean section because of dystocia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 85 sheep and 25 goats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and information was obtained on signalment, history, physical examination findings, anesthesia protocol, surgical technique, number of lambs or kids delivered, pre- and postoperative treatments, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners. RESULTS: The proportion of sheep admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital during the study period that underwent a cesarean section (4.4%) was significantly higher than the proportion of goats that did (2.2%). Pygmy goats were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population. The most common reason for cesarean section was inadequate dilatation of the cervix. The most common surgical approach was via the left paralumbar fossa. Two hundred one lambs and kids were delivered, of which 116 were dead at delivery or died shortly afterward. Forty-two of the 65 dams with 1 or more dead fetuses had been in stage-2 labor for > 6 hours, and fetal death was significantly associated with a prolonged duration of dystocia. The most common complication following surgery was retained placenta (n = 49). Use of antimicrobials was associated with a lower rate of complications. All 16 dams that were rebred became pregnant and had no problems with dystocia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cesarean section is an effective method of resolving dystocia in sheep and goats and does not adversely affect subsequent fertility.     

Influence of macronutrients and activated charcoal on intake of sagebrush by sheep and goats

We determined if supplemental macronutrients or activated charcoal influenced intake of sagebrush, a shrub that contains terpenes. Sheep (lambs 3 mo age, 33 kg) and goats (kids 5 mo age, 28 kg) were fed supplements high in energy, high in protein, or offered a choice between the two supplements before and after receiving sagebrush for 4 h/d. The effect of activated charcoal, a compound that reduces bioavailability of toxins, was assessed by offering charcoal mixed with a carrier or the carrier alone while animals consumed sagebrush for 4 h/d. The effects of supplemental macronutirents were tested before and after charcoal supplementation. Activated charcoal did not increase intake of sagebrush by sheep or goats (P > 0.05), but supplemental macronutrients influenced intake of sagebrush by both species (P < 0.05). Intake of sage-brush was markedly higher for animals fed the high-protein supplement than for animals fed the high-energy supplement (P < 0.05). Lambs (before and after charcoal supplementation) and kids (after charcoal supplementation) offered a choice between the two supplements used sagebrush at levels comparable to animals supplemented with protein. They consumed more CP than animals fed the high-energy supplement and more ME than lambs fed the high-protein supplement (P < 0.05). Thus, providing a choice between supplements enhanced intake of sagebrush and enabled animals to achieve a more balanced intake of macronutrients. Preference for supplement and sagebrush also depended on an animal's immediate past history with a supplement. Sheep and goats previously fed the high-energy or the high-protein supplement preferred, respectively, the high-protein or the high-energy supplement when given a choice (P < 0.05). The changes in preference for supplement caused a decreased intake of sagebrush by groups that preferred the energy concentrate, and an increased intake of sagebrush by groups that preferred the protein concentrate. Thus, supplements of different energy and protein densities consistently altered intake of sagebrush by sheep and goats.     

Prevalence,risk factors,and distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cysticercus tenuicollis</Emphasis> in visceral organs of slaughtered sheep and goats in central Ethiopia

An abattoir survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis, to find out the association between prevalence and potential risk factors as well as to assess the distribution of C. tenuicollis in visceral organs of slaughtered sheep and goats. Out of the total 768 goats and 630 sheep visceral organs inspected, C. tenuicollis was found in 358 goats (46.6%) and 252 sheep (40.0%), respectively. Adult goats (51.8%) and sheep (47.4%) were more infected than kids (41.4%) and lambs (35.8%), respectively. Goats (58.1%) and sheep (46.5%) from highland areas were more infected than goats (35.2%) and sheep (33.8%) from lowland areas. C. tenuicollis was more frequently detected in the omentum of goats and sheep than any other visceral organs. Appropriate control measures need to be introduced to reduce the prevalence of these parasites in small ruminants.     

Dose titration of sericea lespedeza leaf meal on Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs and kids

The objective of three experiments was to determine the impact of supplementing sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; SL) in three concentrations in a loose or pelleted diet on gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants. Experiments on lambs were conducted at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service in Booneville, AR (Exp. 1) and at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA (Exp. 2); an experiment on goat kids occurred at University of Maryland-Eastern Shore (Exp. 3). Exp. 1 used crossbred hair sheep lambs naturally infected with GIN that were randomly allocated to diets containing 0, 25, 50, and 75% SL diets (n=11 or 12/diet). Exp. 2 consisted of Haemonchus contortus-inoculated crossbred wool breed lambs that were blocked by gender and FEC and randomly assigned to 0, 25, 50, or 75% SL diet (n=8/diet). Fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were not influenced by SL supplementation in Exp. 1 and 2. Exp. 3 consisted of naturally GIN infected Boer crossbred goat kids in individual pens. Kids were blocked by FEC and randomly allotted to treatments of 0, 20, 40, or 60% SL with 9-13 goats/diet. The more SL fed, the greater the reduction in FEC (P<0.001). There was an increase in PCV in SL fed goats (P<0.001). Larval speciation at the end of the experiment indicated that feces from control animals produced 43% H. contortus larva while 20, 40 and 60% SL resulted in 39%, 35% and 31% H. contortus larvae, respectively. Feeding dried SL may be less effective in lambs than kids, though concurrent studies must be conducted to confirm this.     

Estrus Synchronization in Sheep and Goats Using Combinations of GnRH,Progestagen and Prostaglandin F2α

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of GnRH, progestagen and prostaglandin F_2α on estrus synchronization in sheep and goats. Sixty Awassi ewes and 53 Damascus does were used in the study. The experiment started at the beginning of the breeding season (June/July). The same treatments were applied to sheep and goats as follows: no treatment (CON), 14‐day progestagen sponges and 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (S), gonadotropin releasing hormone followed 5 days later by prostaglandin F_2α (GP) and gonadotropin releasing hormone, progestagen sponges for 5 days and prostaglandin F_2α on the day of sponge removal (GSP). None of the ewes in the S group lambed from mating during the induced cycle. A greater lambing rate (p < 0.05) was observed in the GSP group compared with the CON and S groups while the GP group was intermediate. The number of lambs born per lambed ewe was similar among the CON, GP and GSP groups. However, the number of lambs per exposed ewe was greater (p < 0.05) in the GSP than the remaining groups. The induced cycle kidding rate was 77% for all treatments combined. Similar kidding rate were observed among treatments. The numbers of kids born per kidded and exposed doe from mating during the induced estrus were also similar among treatments. Greater numbers of multiple births were observed in the GP and GSP than in the S group. In conclusion, a combination of GnRH, progestagen sponges and PGF_2α can be effective in synchronizing estrus and improving fecundity in sheep and goats. Although the use of GnRH–PGF_2α was effective, the addition of progestagen sponges at the time of GnRH administration appeared to improve reproductive parameters.     

A comparison of two integrated approaches of controlling nematode parasites in small ruminants

Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants in regions of the world where anthelmintic resistance is prevalent must rely on more than just chemical deworming strategies. The objective of this experiment was to compare two integrated treatment protocols for control of GIN (primarily Haemonchus contortus in this region) using anthelmintics, copper oxide wire particles (COWP) and FAMACHA(?), compared to traditional anthelmintic use only. Three separate trials were conducted on mature ewes, weaned goats, and weaned lambs in which three deworming management strategies were applied: 1) all animals were dewormed with levamisole at four week intervals (LEV), 2) individual animals were dewormed with moxidectin when scored≥4 (ewes) or ≥3 (kids and lambs) using FAMACHA(?) (FAM/MOX), 3) all animals were dewormed with moxidectin initially and again with COWP (2g) when group mean FEC exceeded 500 (ewes), 3000 (kids), or 1000 (lambs) eggs/g (MOX/COWP). In this final group, during periods between group treatments, individual animals were dewormed with albendazole and levamisole according to FAMACHA(?) score. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were determined every 7 days and body weight every 28 days for 30, 20, or 16 weeks in ewes, goats, and lambs, respectively. Efficacy of levamisole was 83.4-86.4%, efficacy of moxidectin was 93.5-100%, and efficacy of COWP was 10.8-98.1% among the three trials. The mean number of deworming treatments per animal that occurred for the LEV, FAM/MOX, and MOX/COWP groups, respectively, was 7.9, 0.6, and 2.5±0.4 (P<0.001) for ewes, 5.2, 1.6, and 3.4±0.3 (P<0.001) for goats, and 4.0, 1.7, and 3.6±0.2 (P<0.001) for lambs. Production (body weight of lambs weaned from ewes or final body weight of kids and lambs) was similar among management strategy groups for ewes and kids, but FAM/MOX lambs were lighter by the end of the trial (P<0.003). While more time and labor was required to use the FAMACHA(?) system, a more conservative use of anthelmintics occurred in the FAM/MOX group.     

Differences in signs and lesions in sheep and goats with enterotoxemia induced by intraduodenal infusion of Clostridium perfringens type D

Enterotoxemia was induced in 4 lambs and 4 goat kids by continuous intraduodenal infusion of a whole culture of Clostridium perfringens type D. Clinical signs, hematologic values, biochemical alterations, and postmortem lesions in the lambs and goat kids were compared. The 4 lambs and 4 goat kids died within 25 hours of beginning the infusions. Lesions were not observed in the gastrointestinal tract of the 4 lambs; however, severe hemorrhagic enterocolitis was found in the 4 goat kids. This difference between the lambs and goat kids in the lesions caused by experimentally induced enterotoxemia may explain the discrepancies reported between sheep and goats in clinical signs, response to treatment, and efficacy of vaccination observed in naturally induced enterotoxemia in the 2 species.     

Comparative pharmacokinetic disposition of closantel in sheep and goats

The pharmacokinetic disposition of closantel was examined following intraruminal (i.r.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration to adult Merino sheep and to adult and 3-month-old, suckling Angora goats. In adult goats the maximum concentration (C_max) and area under the plasma concentration with time curve ( AUC ) following 3.75, 7.5 and 15.0 mg closantel/kg given i.r. increased with dose however the time of C_max (r_max= 2.6d) in plasma was unaffected by dose rate. The elimination phase (K₁₀) of closantel was monoexponential with a half-life ( t _½) of 4.7d again unaffected by dose rate. Apart from a more rapid absorption phase and earlier T_max following 3.75 mg closantel/kg i.m., pharmacokinetic behaviour was similar to that following i.r. administration at 3.75 or 7.5 mg/kg. Although absorption rate was more rapid in kids after i.r. administration at 7.5 mg/kg, pharmacokinetic disposition of closantel was otherwise similar to that in adult goats. No closantel was detected in milk of treated does or in the plasma of their kids. I.R. closantel at 7.5 mg/kg was more slowly absorbed in goats than in sheep but C_max was similar in both species. However, K₁₀ t _½ was significantly shorter in goats (4d) than in sheep (14d). Faster elimination resulted in an almost three-fold lowering of AUC in goats and could dramatically reduce the sustained action of closantel in this species compared with sheep.     

Effect of vitamin E supplementation of sheep and goats fed diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in Se

Vitamin E (VitE) and selenium (Se) are an essential part of the antioxidative functions of metabolism. There are situations of low supply of both micronutrients. As VitE is involved in ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their protection against oxidation in metabolism, diets supplemented with PUFA may challenge VitE to an extent making recommended supplies insufficient. Twelve goats and sheep each were fed a diet supplemented with PUFA and characterised by low Se and limited VitE contents during the last 2 months of gestation and the first 2 months of lactation. The basal diet consisted of hay and concentrate. Six goats and sheep received extra VitE, while the control groups received no extra VitE. Blood and milk samples were taken. In addition, liver, heart muscle and spleen samples were obtained from the offspring after slaughtering at an age of 8 weeks. No significant changes were observed in serum Se and VitE. A significant increase in serum VitE concentrations between 2 and 4 weeks postpartum (pp) was evident in the supplemented kids. In 4, 6 and 8 weeks pp, the serum concentrations of VitE in the supplemented kids were significantly higher compared to the unsupplemented group. In the kids, VitE was higher in liver of the supplemented groups. There were no significant differences in response to extra VitE between sheep and goat. The kids responded to serum VitE different from that of lambs, as a significant difference was observed between supplemented and unsupplemented animals in the goat kids, but not the lambs. In conclusion, goats and sheep have to be viewed differently and may not be considered alike relating to VitE/Se metabolism and requirements, especially in young animals.     

Abattoir condemnation due to parasitic infections and its economic implications in the region of Trikala,Greece

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99, 00 GDR (approximately 292 Euros). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).     

Effects of sheep and cattle alternate grazing on sheep parasitism and production

Production of sheep (nursing ewes) grazing alternately with cattle (growing weaned heifers) was compared to the production of sheep or cattle grazing alone (controls). Pasture production and sheep parasitism were also monitored. The herbage allowance was higher for the control heifers than for the alternate heifers, but the leaf to green material ratio (LGMR) was lower, and no difference on heifer growth was revealed (443 vs. 431g.d^-1, P = 0.54). The LGMR was higher for the alternate sheep (+3 points) than for the control sheep, except during the dry season, when the herbage density was lower. The effects of parasitism on the packed cell volume of alternate ewes and lambs were lower than those of control ewes and lambs. However, the infection of sheep by Cooperia sp. (better adapted to cattle) was significantly higher for the alternate sheep than for the controls, and some indication of cattle infection by Haemonchus contortus was suggested. The 70-day lamb weight was higher in the alternate grazing system than in the control (+0.76,+1.11 and+0.61kg for the dry, intermediate and rainy seasons, respectively), and the average 70-day lamb production per ewe exposed was 21.42kg in the alternate grazing system vs. 18.59kg in the control (P = 0.003).     

Genetic analysis of the potential role of IgA and IgE responses against Haemonchus contortus in parasite resistance of Creole goats

Small ruminants are affected by gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection. A promising alternative strategy for control of GIN infection is to increase the level of resistance in the population by taking advantage of the host's immune response. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and E (IgE) are known to be involved in immune response to GIN. The aim of this study was thus to investigate genetic parameters of IgA and IgE responses against Haemonchus contortus in Creole kids naturally challenged at pasture and to determine the relationship with other resistance criteria such as faecal egg counts, packed-cell volume, eosinophil counts and bodyweight. Variance and covariance components for genetic and residuals effects for each trait were estimated on 3862 males at 11 months of age. Heritability estimates for IgA and IgE ranged between 0.15 and 0.57. Strong positive genetic correlations were observed between either IgE or IgA responses against L3 and adult excretory/secretory products (ESP) antigens of H. contortus, suggesting that the humoral immune response is not specific to the life cycle stage of the parasite suggesting that there is substantial cross recognition between the different parasite antigens. Heritability estimates for faecal egg count (FEC), packed-cell volume (PCV) and bodyweight (BW) were in accordance with previous results in Creole kids. Blood eosinophil counts were found moderately heritable and negatively correlated with FEC, suggesting that this cell population plays a role in resistance to nematode parasite infection in Creole goats. IgA response was positively correlated to FEC, in contrast with the negative correlation between IgE against L3 of H. contortus and FEC. In Creole goats, IgA response against L3 or ESP of H. contortus would rather be associated with the worm burden than an immune protective response. The immune response involving activity of IgE against L3 of H. contortus may be one important pathway for development of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in Creole goats.