Nutrition as a sustainable tool for increasing small ruminant resistance and resilience to gastrointestinal nematodes

Authors: QUADROS, DAN - University Of Arkansas; Burke, Joan

Submitted to: Animal Frontiers
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Sheep and goat producers continue to be burdened by gastrointestinal parasites which can lead to slow growth and even death. Research conducted over the last 20 years by University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center on nutritional aspects to control parasites by increasing resistance and resilience is presented. Proper pasture management and dietary nutrient values, as well as use of copper oxide wire particles and plants with secondary plant compounds can be used to prevent and control GIN infection in animals. These results are important to the U.S. sheep industry, the producers and consultants, veterinarians, parasitologists and other scientists involved in improving sheep and goat production and health.

Technical Abstract: The aim is to examine the role of nutrition as a tool to increase small ruminant resistance and resilience to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). First, we will uncover the impacts of GIN parasitism on nutrition and metabolism. Then, we will look at strategic pasture management to reduce GIN parasitism and enhance the nutritive value of small ruminant diets. Following, we will describe how protein, energy, mineral, and vitamin supplementation can reduce fecal egg counts (FEC), the gold standard to estimate worm burden in the live animal, and adult worm burdens and increase performance. Next, we will discuss how to use copper oxide wire particles (COWP) to control barber pole worm. Finally, we will explain how plant secondary compounds can be incorporated into small ruminant diets and contribute to an integrative parasite management program.