The use of targeted selective treatments on controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in different sheep categories under grazing system

ABSTRACT: Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes can impair both the animal health and performance. Thereby, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of targeted selective treatments as the FAMACHA© system and faecal egg count on controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in different sheep categories under grazing system. Thirty Santa Ines sheep, six in each category (six weaning, six weaned lambs, six non-pregnant ewes, six pregnant ewes and six lactating ewes were used. Sheep were weighed, and blood and faecal samples were collected on day 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 for determination of faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (PPT) and the mucosa colour by FAMACHA© system in the morning (1) and afternoon (2). The faecal egg count was higher (p=0.0039) in weaning and weaned lambs compared to the non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating ewes. Also, FEC differed between ewes with higher counts in lactating ewes. The observation of eye mucosae showed a frequency of 100% of FAMACHA© scores ranged of 2.45 to 2.91 in the morning, differing (p=0.0494) among the categories, where weaned lambs showed better score. The animal categories and period interaction had a significant (p=0.0148) effect on FAMACHA© score 1 with better score in weaned lambs compared to the pregnant ewes at day 0, 15 and 75. In addition, weaned lambs were presented better FAMACHA© score compared with weaning lambs and lactating ewes at day 45 than weaning lambs at day 60 and 75. Packed cell volume in the morning and in the afternoon was influenced by days of collection with lower percentage at 30 days of experiment. The FAMACHA© system seems to be a suitable method to detect parasite infections. However, use of all available methods increases the accuracy of the diagnosis and promotes better control of gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing sheep.