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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #387344
Research Project: Sustainable Small Farm and Organic Grass and Forage Production Systems for Livestock and Agroforestry

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: Influence of season of lambing on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection of lambs

Author
item Burke, Joan
item Wood, Erin
item MILLER, JAMES - Louisiana State University

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2021
Publication Date: 5/12/2021
Citation: Burke, J.M., Wood, E.L., Miller, J.E. 2021. Influence of season of lambing on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection of lambs. Journal of Animal Science. 99(Suppl. 2);39. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab096.071.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab096.071

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective was to examine GIN infection and BW of lambs born in fall (Oct-Nov; n = 20-158/yr; n = 716 total) or winter (Jan-Feb; n = 65-208/yr; n = 1717 total). Katahdin lambs born between 2008 and 2020 were weaned between 90-120 d of age and supplemented with a 15% CP grain mix when forage quality was low. Dams were supplemented up to 30 d before to 60 d post-lambing. BW and FAMACHA scores were determined at approximately 60, 90, 120, and 150 d of age; FEC and PCV were determined ~90, 120, and 150 d of age. Lambs were dewormed if FAMACHA score was > 3. Data were analyzed using mixed models with a repeated statement for day of sample collection, and age within season-yr used as a covariate. Season × yr × day influenced all traits (P < 0.001); litter number, sex, age of dam influenced BW (P < 0.001). FEC were higher in fall than winter born lambs only on d 90, and similar on d 120 and 150 (P < 0.001). PCV was lower in winter than fall born lambs on d 120 and 150 (P < 0.001), and FAMACHA lower on all days measured in fall than winter lambs (P < 0.001) making the winter born more susceptible to anemia and greater need for deworming. Haemonchus contortus was the predominant GIN on most days of culture for both seasons. Fall compared with winter lambs were lighter in BW at all time points (P < 0.001) possibly due to poor forage quality available to dams. Rainfall data will be presented. GIN control was more manageable in fall than winter born lambs, but they weighed less.