Interaction between copper oxide wire particles and Duddingtonia flagrans in lambs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Animal Science
• Mycology

Background:

• Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are explored as an alternative dewormer for small ruminants due to anthelmintic resistance.
• Duddingtonia flagrans, a nematode-trapping fungus, is utilized to manage parasitic nematode larvae in livestock.
• Growing lambs are susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites like Haemonchus contortus, impacting their health and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of COWP in growing lambs.
• To determine the effect of COWP on the activity of Duddingtonia flagrans.
• To assess the combined impact of COWP and D. flagrans on parasitic nematode burdens.

Main Methods:

• Katahdin and Dorper lambs were administered COWP or a placebo.
• Lambs were supplemented with or without D. flagrans for 35 days.
• Fecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and larval cultures were analyzed weekly.

Main Results:

• COWP treatment significantly decreased FEC and increased PCV in lambs.
• The combination of COWP and D. flagrans reduced the number of infective larvae (L3) in feces.
• COWP did not adversely affect D. flagrans' ability to trap nematode larvae.
• The proportion of H. contortus larvae decreased in lambs treated with both COWP and D. flagrans.

Conclusions:

• COWP is effective in reducing fecal egg counts and improving lamb health.
• D. flagrans complements COWP by further reducing parasite larvae.
• The combined use of COWP and D. flagrans presents a promising sustainable strategy for controlling parasitic nematodes in livestock.