Effects of a protein supplement and anthelmintic treatment on communally grazed Tswana goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

This study was carried out to determine the effects of anthelmintic treatment and protein supplementation on health and productivity of indigenous Tswana goats. Thirty six goats of around 1 year old and of unspecified breeds were randomly divided into 4 groups of 9 animals each. The first group was treated with an oral dose of albendazole every three months. The second group was fed protein supplement daily, while the third group was drenched every three months and fed protein supplement daily. The fourth, control group was neither drenched nor fed supplement. The control group generally had higher eggs per gram (EPG) counts than the 3 treatment groups, with the highest peak in January. There was no significant difference in EPGs between the protein and the anthelmintic groups, while the protein supplemented animals had significantly lower mean egg counts than the controls. The anthelmintic/protein group had significantly reduced faecal nematode egg counts when compared to the other 3 treatments. The protein and the protein/anthelmintic groups gained significantly more weight than the anthelmintic group, while the anthelmintic group also gained significantly over the control group. The protein supplemented and anthelmintic- treated groups had significantly higher PCV values than the controls. No significant differences were observed for albumin among the groups. The additive helminth control effect of anthelmintic and protein supplementation combinations may go a long way in curbing the rampant use of anthelmintics that has the potential of promoting drug resistance. (Francis R Bakunzi*, Lucky K Mogapi, Blessing M Dzoma, Lebogang E Motsei, Mathew Nyirenda, Rendani V Ndou. Effects of a protein supplement and anthelmintic treatment on communally grazed Tswana goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):53-57) (ISSN: 1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com .