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The Effect of the Plane of Nutrition on Parasitism by Ostertagia spp. in the Lactating Ewe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

R. M. Connan
R. M. Connan
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Pathology, Madingley Road, Cambridge
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Extract

The resistance to infection by Ostertagia spp. of three groups of lactating ewes was compared with an unbred control group. Group 1 was fed a full diet of hay and a concentrate ration ad lib. Groups 2 and 3 were fed the same quantitatively inadequate diet and in addition group 3 received daily injections of thyroxine sodium. All the animals were infected regularly with Ostertagia larvae and killed 6 weeks after lambing.

While the unbred sheep were highly resistant, all three groups of lactating ewes carried significant numbers of worms. Group 2 and 3 had significantly more than group 1, the additional worms being present as adults. The effect of hyperthyroidism in group 3 was not significant.

It is concluded that the immuno-suppressant effect of lactation is probably not due to protein depletion although the latter may be an important secondary factor.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 45 , Issue 2-3 , June 1971 , pp. 177 - 187
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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