The effect of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars on host-parasite-environment interactions in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238228
• Publication Date: 2020-08-28T17:39:55Z
• Authors: Francisca Fernand...; Gelson dos Santos...; Lilian Giotto Zaros; Joelma da Silva S...; Antonio Leandro C...; Pablo Ramon Costa; Henrique Rocha de...; Carlikelly Gleicy...; Fernando de Almei...; Neila Lidiany Rib...
• Keywords: Brachiaria; Trichostrongylus; Oesophagostomum; Tiller (botany)

The objective was to evaluate the effect of different cultivars Brachiaria brizantha on dynamics and concentration larval stages gastrointestinal nematodes in soil forage strata, as well their effects performance naturally infected lambs. Overall, 48 90-day-old lambs with an initial weight 19.04 ± 0.96 kg were observed. Moreover, a randomised block factorial design four (Marandu, Xaraés, Piatã Paiaguás grasses) under intermittent stocking (with pre-grazing canopy height 40 cm post-grazing 20 cm) for two grazing cycles used. following variables analysed: faecal egg counting, culture, mean corpuscular volume, FAMACHA© score, body condition recovery larvae from pasture samples, nutritional value production structural components forage. Lambs Marandu grass demonstrated highest level nematode infection (P < 0.05). However, did not differ between cultivars. had density 0.05), while percentage dead material various genera found cultures, regardless cultivars, include Haemonchus (92.01%), Trichostrongylus (4.55%), Strongyloides (3.06%) Oesophagostomum (0.37%). Xaraés lowest Furthermore, concentrations pastures; infective recovered samples. produce diverse relevant microclimatic conditions contaminate soil, pastures animals. Animal compromised despite having levels contamination infection. Based parasitological aspects, are recommended grass-based sheep systems over other since they contribute reduction