Gastrointestinal nematode infections in German sheep

• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2648-1
• Publication Date: 2011-10-06T15:44:53Z
• Authors: Ahmad Idris; Eva Moors; Birgit Sohnrey; Matthias Gauly
• Keywords: Trichostrongylus; Texel; Nematode infection

The objective of the present study was to determine prevalence and variation natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lambs according birth type, gender breed based on individual faecal egg counts (FEC) from various regions Germany. A total 3,924 (3 15 months old) with different genetic backgrounds (Merinoland, German Blackhead Mutton, Rhoen, Texel Merino long-wool) were individually sampled during grazing period between 2006 2008. Furthermore, pooled samples each farms cultured order differentiate third-stage larvae spp. Sixty-three percent infected GIN. mostly low moderate involved several species. Trichostrongylus predominant species percentage cultures. Only 11.4% free Eimeria oocysts. Tapeworm eggs encountered 13.2% all samples. GIN varied significantly (P < 0.001) among farms. higher FEC 0.05) observed multiple-born when compared singletons. Moreover, male more susceptible infection than females 0.001). No significant differences > breeds regarding FEC. Inter-individual variations inter-breed differences, which may indicate possibility selection within these for parasites resistance as described earlier studies.