A Sustainable Strategy for Gastrointestinal Nematode Control in Sheep.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Sheep Production Systems
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) significantly impact sheep production.
• There is a growing need for sustainable alternatives to routine anthelmintic drug use.
• Current control strategies often rely on chemical treatments with potential for resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of routine albendazole treatment versus a non-chemical parasite control strategy in Zerasca sheep.
• To evaluate the impact of each strategy on parasite levels, body condition, and haematological parameters.
• To assess the long-term viability of non-chemical parasite management in sheep.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of 24 adult Zerasca sheep (12 per group) were monitored over eight months.
• Group T received routine albendazole treatment twice yearly.
• Group NT employed rotational grazing and quarterly veterinary monitoring.

Main Results:

• Non-chemical (NT) sheep had significantly higher faecal egg counts (EPG) than treated (T) sheep (529 vs. 210 EPG).
• Despite higher parasite burdens, NT sheep exhibited significantly better body condition scores (3.00 vs. 2.51).
• Haematological parameters were comparable, with transient increases in liver enzymes (AST, ALT) and BUN in the treated group post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• A non-chemical parasite management strategy, incorporating rotational grazing and veterinary oversight, can maintain acceptable parasite levels.
• This approach supports superior body condition in sheep compared to routine anthelmintic treatment.
• Sustainable parasite control methods may reduce reliance on routine chemical interventions in sheep farming.