Depression of productivity in sheep infected with Fasciola hepatica |
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| Authors: | CD Hawkins RS Morris |
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| Institution: | Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, Vic. 3030, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The productivity of 24 Corriedale weaner wethers in eight groups of 3, artificially infected with a range of fluke burdens, was studied by measuring body weight change, midside patch wool growth, fleece weights and feed digestibility over a period of 24 weeks.Data from bodyweight and patch wool measurement and feed digestibility were analysed by regression procedures. All parasitised groups exhibited a reduction in growth rate, patch wool growth and fleece weight, when compared with the control groups. Reduction in feed conversion efficiency was detected in groups having mean burdens of 45, 67 and 117 flukes. Because groups with mean burdens of 230 or more flukes had reduced feed intake, and sheep in these groups died, the feed conversion information from these groups cannot be considered unequivocal.The group mean liveweight changes, patch wool growth and fleece weights were closely related to the mean number of flukes in the respective group. Prediction equations for wool growth rate and body weight gain in fluke infected sheep are presented. |
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