Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestional Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestional Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Summary

In year 4 of the project, several feeding trials with sheep and goats were completed to further define the effectiveness of using copper oxide wire particles and sericea lespedeza hay for controlling gastrointestinal nematode infection. Research results from previous studies were presented at several national and international meetings. Approximately 45 FAMACHA training workshops were held throughout the US and Puerto Rico, and over 1100 FAMACHA cards were purchased for on-farm use in 2005.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Bring about immediate improvement in GIN control and subsequent productivity in small ruminant operations in the southern US and the US Virgin Islands by disseminating to producers and extension agents current knowledge and technology.

2. Investigate and implement the use of novel non-chemical approaches in integrated, sustainable strategies for control of GIN in small ruminants.

3. Determine the economic impact on the small ruminant industry of uncontrolled multi-drug resistant GIN.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Several feeding trials with sheep and goats were completed using copper oxide wire particles (COWP) and sericea lespedeza hay for controlling gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection. The objective of the first COWP study was to determine effectiveness for GIN control and risk of copper toxicity of multiple small doses of COWP until lambs reached market weight. A second study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a sustained-release multi-trace element/vitamin ruminal bolus given to yearling ewes or does for control of GIN. A study was completed during summer 2005 to evaluate the effectiveness of combining COWP and grazing sericea lespedeza in yearling does to manage GIN. Another study was conducted to determine whether an increased level of copper sulfate in free choice mineral offered to growing does could reduce Haemonchus contortus infection. A study was completed in the Fall of 2005 in which ground sericea lespedeza hay was fed to growing bucks at 75, 50, and 25% of intake to determine level of sericea in the diet needed to effectively reduce GIN infection.

For the trials completed in 2005, some of the results were that multiple doses of COWP were as effective as a chemical anthelmintic (Levamisole) for controlling GIN infection, the multi-trace element/vitamin ruminal bolus effectively reduced fecal egg count in parasitized ewes and does, and sericea lespedeza hay down to 50% of the diet was effective in controlling GI parasites in goats. Data from additional studies, including on-farm validation of FAMACHA, and producer survey information, are still in the process of being compiled and analyzed.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Producer dependence upon chemical anthelmintics alone has been greatly reduced by this on-going work, as evidenced by the continued interest in purchase of FAMACHA cards and attendence at FAMACHA workshops, increased activity on our project web site (over 14,000 hits in 2005), and increased number of requests for information on COWP and sericea lespedeza establisment and management.

Publications-Refereed

Burke JM, Miller JE, Brauer DK. 2005. The effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles as an anthelmintic in pregnant ewes and safety to offspring. Veterinary Parasitology 131:291-297.

Burke JM, Miller JE, Larsen M, Terrill TH. 2005. Interaction between copper oxide wire particles and Duddingtonia flagrans in lambs. Veterinary Parasitology 134:141-146.

Publications-Proceedings papers

Shaik, S.A., T.H. Terrill, J.E. Miller, B. Kouakou, G. Kannan, R.M. Kaplan, J.M. Burke, and J.A. Mosjidis. 2005. Anthelmintic effects of sericea lespedeza hay fed to goats infected with Haemonchus contortus. Proceedings of the XX International Grassland Congress, 26 June – 6 July, 2005, Dublin, Ireland.

Miller, J.E., J.A. Stuedemann, and T.H. Terrill. 2005. Nematode parasites and grazing research. Proceedings of the 59th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, 11-13 May 2005, Philadelphia, MS.

Terrill, T.H., and J.E. Miller. 2005. Nematode parasites in small ruminant grazing research: Changing perspectives. Proceedings of the 59th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, 11-13 May 2005, Philadelphia, MS.

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