Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #247299
Title: Integrated control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) using sericea lespedeza (SL), FAMACHA, and copper oxide wire particles (COWP) in weaned lambs in Arkansas

Author
item Burke, Joan
item MILLER, J - Louisiana State University
item MOSJIDIS, J - Auburn University
item TERRILL, T - Fort Valley State University

Submitted to: American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2009
Publication Date: 2/10/2010
Citation: Burke, J.M., Miller, J.E., Mosjidis, J.A., Terrill, T.H. 2010. Integrated control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) using sericea lespedeza (SL), FAMACHA, and copper oxide wire particles (COWP) in weaned lambs in Arkansas. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting. Volume 88(suppl.3), pp. 31-32

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Alternatives to chemical dewormers are needed to counter anthelmintic resistance and improve organic management systems. The objective was to examine the effectiveness of grazing SL and selective use of COWP based on FAMACHA for control of GIN. Katahdin lambs (145.6 ± 2.1 d of age; 30.1 ± 0.7 kg) were randomly assigned to graze bermudagrass (BG; n = 14), SL plus grass pasture (SLG; n = 14), or continuous SL (SLC; n = 15) for 56 d. Lambs were dewormed with COWP if FAMACHA was >3. Lambs were fed corn/SBM (16% CP) based on NRC requirements and estimated CP of pastures so that 454, 389, and 200 g/lamb was fed to BG, SLG, and SLC, respectively. A pooled fecal sample was collected from all lambs for culture on D 0 (day introduced to forage) and from forage groups on D 56. Initially, Haemonchus contortus was the predominant nematode, but the population shifted in the SL groups by the end of the study. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were determined every 14 d between D 0 and 56, and BW every 28 d. Data were analyzed using the mixed models procedure of SAS with a repeated statement for date and forage treatment as the main effect. FEC were log transformed. The mean number of dewormings/lamb was 0.71, 0.20, and 0.21 ± 0.13 for BG, SLG, and SLC groups, respectively (P < 0.02). FEC were reduced in SLC compared with BG lambs on all days and reduced in SLG compared with BG lambs on D 56 (forage x day, P < 0.001). PCV was greater for SL than BG groups on most days (forage x day, P < 0.03). Body weight was similar among groups. COWP may have been more effective in reducing FEC in SL compared with BG groups (BG, 35.4 ± 11.6; SLG, 53.4 ± 12.3; SLC, 93.1 ± 17.3%; P < 0.05). There were fewer false positive and negative FAMACHA scores in the SL than BG groups (BG, 80.0 ± 3.8; SLG, 90.0 ± 3.8; SLC, 94.7 ± 3.7%; P < 0.02). Even though weight gains were similar, more inputs (feed, dewormer) were required for BG than SLG or SLC lambs.