Effect of supplementation on estimated parasite load in periparturient ewes and their offspring

The objective of the essay was to determine the influence of protein–energy supplementation on the gastrointestinal nematode population during spring rise in ewes and their offspring as a non–chemical alternative in Integrated Parasite Control. One hundred twenty six Corriedale ewes were divided into two groups, one supplemented with protein–energy blocks from one month before lambing until weaning and the other without supplementation. Every 17 days, faecal matter was randomly collected from 20 ewes and 20 lambs from both groups. Modified McMaster and coproculture were performed, estimating the pathogenicity index for each gender. Lambs´ weight at birth, marking and weaning were recorded and the daily weight gains from birth to marking and from marking to weaning were calculated. Eggs count per gram of faeces were higher (P<0.05) in the non–supplemented group and their lambs. The predominant genus in dams and lambs were Haemonchus contortus and Trichostongylus spp. The pathogenicity index in the non–supplemented dams was higher than 1 from the faecal egg count increase. The lamb body weights and average daily gains were higher in those lambs born to the supplemented dam group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation contributed to the non–chemical control of the most prevalent gastrointestinal nematode in periparturient ewes, H. contortus, and environmental contamination for lambs at the dam foot.