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Gałązka M, Klich D, Filip-Hutsch K, Olech W, Anusz K, Pyziel AM. Endoparasite loads and the efficacy of conventional anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes in captive European bison. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:224-231. [PMID: 37415923 PMCID: PMC10319643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Although little information exists on the efficacy of deworming in wild ruminants, gastrointestinal nematodes have been found to demonstrate increasing drug resistance. The spread of drug-resistant strains may be increased by transmission among livestock and susceptible wildlife species, thus posing a potential threat to endangered species, such as the European bison. The aim of the study was twofold: to identify the parasite loads in captive European bison with the use of coprological techniques, and to test the influence of other nearby ungulates on the richness of bison parasitofauna. Additionally, the efficacy of deworming procedures against gastrointestinal nematodes in bison was evaluated. The survey was based on a coprological investigation of 285 fecal samples from 156 European bison in 15 enclosures. The parasitofauna of the captive European bison was consistent with those of free-ranging populations. The highest prevalence was noted for Eimeria spp. oocysts (60.7%), strongyle eggs (50.9%), Fasciola hepatica eggs (13.1%), Dictyocaulus viviparus larvae (12.3%) and Trichuris sp. Eggs (9.47%). Moreover, the close proximity of other ungulate species resulted in a higher diversity of parasite species. In all cases, deworming with albendazole, fenbendazole and ivermectin proved to be ineffective against strongylids and Trichuris sp. The results of fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) ranged from 37.2 to 99.6% (95% CI <90%) for albendazole; values >95% (95% CI = 41-100) were noted for fenbendazole, and FECRT ranged from 63.2 to 97.5 (95% CI = 0-99) for ivermectin. As the results of anthelmintic treatment are unsatisfactory, it seems justified to continue study in this area. Our study is the first large-scale attempt to evaluate the efficacy of anthelminthics in captive European bison. The potential sharing of parasite species between bison and other ungulates should also be further investigated from the perspective of minimizing the risk of the spread of drug-resistant parasite strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gałązka
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
- Municipal Zoological Garden in Warsaw, Ratuszowa 1/3, 03-461, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Klich
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wanda Olech
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna M. Pyziel
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - WULS, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
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Bricarello PA, Longo C, da Rocha RA, Hötzel MJ. Understanding Animal-Plant-Parasite Interactions to Improve the Management of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Grazing Ruminants. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040531. [PMID: 37111417 PMCID: PMC10145647 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Grazing systems have great potential to promote animal welfare by allowing animals to express natural behaviours, but they also present risks to the animals. Diseases caused by gastrointestinal nematodes are some of the most important causes of poor ruminant health and welfare in grazing systems and cause important economic losses. Reduced growth, health, reproduction and fitness, and negative affective states that indicate suffering are some of the negative effects on welfare in animals infected by gastrointestinal nematode parasitism. Conventional forms of control are based on anthelmintics, but their growing inefficiency due to resistance to many drugs, their potential for contamination of soil and products, and negative public opinion indicate an urgency to seek alternatives. We can learn to deal with these challenges by observing biological aspects of the parasite and the host’s behaviour to develop managements that have a multidimensional view that vary in time and space. Improving animal welfare in the context of the parasitic challenge in grazing systems should be seen as a priority to ensure the sustainability of livestock production. Among the measures to control gastrointestinal nematodes and increase animal welfare in grazing systems are the management and decontamination of pastures, offering multispecies pastures, and grazing strategies such as co-grazing with other species that have different grazing behaviours, rotational grazing with short grazing periods, and improved nutrition. Genetic selection to improve herd or flock parasite resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection may also be incorporated into a holistic control plan, aiming at a substantial reduction in the use of anthelmintics and endectocides to make grazing systems more sustainable.
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Filipe JAN, Kyriazakis I, McFarland C, Morgan ER. Novel epidemiological model of gastrointestinal nematode infection to assess grazing cattle resilience by integrating host growth, parasite, grass and environmental dynamics. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:133-155. [PMID: 36706804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are ubiquitous and often cause morbidity and reduced performance in livestock. Emerging anthelmintic resistance and increasing change in climate patterns require evaluation of alternatives to traditional treatment and management practices. Mathematical models of parasite transmission between hosts and the environment have contributed towards the design of appropriate control strategies in ruminants, but have yet to account for relationships between climate, infection pressure, immunity, resources, and growth. Here, we develop a new epidemiological model of GIN transmission in a herd of grazing cattle, including host tolerance (body weight and feed intake), parasite burden and acquisition of immunity, together with weather-dependent development of parasite free-living stages, and the influence of grass availability on parasite transmission. Dynamic host, parasite and environmental factors drive a variable rate of transmission. Using literature sources, the model was parametrised for Ostertagia ostertagi, the prevailing pathogenic GIN in grazing cattle populations in temperate climates. Model outputs were validated on published empirical studies from first season grazing cattle in northern Europe. These results show satisfactory qualitative and quantitative performance of the model; they also indicate the model may approximate the dynamics of grazing systems under co-infection by O. ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora, a second GIN species common in cattle. In addition, model behaviour was explored under illustrative anthelmintic treatment strategies, considering impacts on parasitological and performance variables. The model has potential for extension to explore altered infection dynamics as a result of management and climate change, and to optimise treatment strategies accordingly. As the first known mechanistic model to combine parasitic and free-living stages of GIN with host feed-intake and growth, it is well suited to predict complex system responses under non-stationary conditions. We discuss the implications, limitations and extensions of the model, and its potential to assist in the development of sustainable parasite control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A N Filipe
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - I Kyriazakis
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - C McFarland
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - E R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
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Review: Assessment of dairy cow welfare at pasture: measures available, gaps to address, and pathways to development of ad-hoc protocols. Animal 2022; 16:100597. [PMID: 35907382 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pasture is generally perceived as positive for dairy cow welfare, but it nevertheless exposes cows to heat, parasites, and other challenges. This review is intended for people ready to design comprehensive protocols for assessing the welfare of dairy cows at pasture. We provide an overview of the benefits and risks of pasture for cows, and then go on to identify the available and feasible measures for assessing cow welfare at pasture and the gaps that need to be addressed to develop specific welfare measures. Some of the measures from on-farm welfare assessment protocols designed for indoor use (e.g. Welfare Quality®) are relevant for cows at pasture (e.g. lameness scoring). However, the timing, location and/or method for certain measures (e.g. observation of social behaviour) need to be adapted to the pasture context, as cows at pasture can roam over a large area. Measures to address specific pasture-related risks (e.g. heat stress, biosecurity) or benefits (e.g. expression of a wide range of behaviours) should be implemented in order to capture all dimensions of cow welfare at pasture. Furthermore, cow welfare is liable to vary over the grazing season due to changes in weather conditions, grass quality and pasture plots that induce variations in lying surface conditions, food availability, distance to walk to the milking parlour, and so on. It is therefore important to investigate the variability in different welfare measures across the pasture season to check whether they hold stable over time and, if not, to determine solutions that can give an overview across the grazing season. Sensors offer a promising complement to animal and environment observations, as they can capture long-term animal monitoring data, which is simply not possible for a one-day welfare-check visit. We conclude that some measures validated for indoor situations can already be used in pasture-based systems, while others need to be validated for their fitness for purpose and/or use in pasture conditions. Furthermore, thresholds should probably be determined for measures to fit with pasture contexts. If all measures can be made adaptable to all situations encountered on farms or variants of the measures can at least be proposed for each criterion, then it should be possible to produce a comprehensive welfare assessment protocol suitable for large-scale use in near future.
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Voinot M, Cazapal-Monteiro C, Hernández JÁ, Palomero AM, Arroyo FL, Sanchís J, Pedreira J, Sánchez-Andrade R, Paz-Silva A, Arias MS. Integrating the control of helminths in dairy cattle: Deworming, rotational grazing and nutritional pellets with parasiticide fungi. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109038. [PMID: 32000048 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-two Friesian cattle under a leaders/followers four-day rotation and passing eggs of trematodes and gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) were studied in two trials for the integrated control of these helminths over two years. In the first trial, the effect of rotational pasturing was assessed on a group of leaders (milking cows, G-L1) and followers (dried-off cows and heifers, G-F1) supplemented daily with commercial nutritional pellets. In the second trial, leaders (G-L2) and followers (G-F2) were maintained under a rotational pasturing regime; the cows received daily commercial pelleted feed and heifers pellets manufactured with a blend of parasiticide fungi (3 × 105 chlamydospores of both Mucor circinelloides and Duddingtonia flagrans/kg pellet). Deworming via closantel and albendazole was performed in cows in each trial at the beginning of their drying periods, and fourteen days later, the fecal egg-count reductions (FECR) of Calicophoron daubneyi and GIN were from 94 to 100% (average 98 %), while the percentages of reduction of cattle shedding eggs (CPCR) were from 50 to 100% (average 77 % and 82 %, respectively). The heifers were dewormed one time only, at the beginning of each trial, and the values of FECR and CPCR were 100 % against C. daubneyi and 96 % and 83 %, respectively, against GIN. Over a period of 24 months, significantly higher numbers of helminth egg-output were observed in G-L1, with the lowest numbers in G-F2. C. daubneyi egg output was reduced by 5 % (G-L1) and 42 % (G-F1) at the end of trial 1 and by 83 % (G-L2) and 100 % (G-F2) at the end of trial 2; the numbers of GIN egg-output decreased by 13 % (G-L1) and 18 % (G-F1) at the end of trial 1, and by 72 % (G-L2) and 85 % (G-F2) at the end of trial 2. No adverse effects were detected in cattle taking pellets enriched with fungal spores (G-F2). It is concluded that long-term ingestion of spores of M. circinelloides and D. flagrans provides a valuable tool to improve the effect of rotational grazing and to lessen the risk of infection by C. daubneyi and GIN in dairy cattle, and accordingly, the performance of integrated control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Voinot
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Cristiana Cazapal-Monteiro
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - José Ángel Hernández
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Antonio Miguel Palomero
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Fabián Leonardo Arroyo
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Jaime Sanchís
- Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of "La República (Regional Norte)", 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | | | - Rita Sánchez-Andrade
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - María Sol Arias
- Control of Parasites Group (COPAR, GI-2120), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Explaining variability in first grazing season heifer growth combining individually measured parasitological and clinical indicators with exposure to gastrointestinal nematode infection based on grazing management practice. Vet Parasitol 2016; 225:61-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S. A review of the epidemiology and control of gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle in Zimbabwe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 80:612. [PMID: 24396919 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v80i1.612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In this review, the main gastrointestinal nematodes infecting cattle in Zimbabwe and the epidemiological factors influencing their occurrence are reviewed and discussed. Nineteen gastrointestinal nematode species that belong to seven families have been found to occur in cattle in Zimbabwe. The main genera reported to date are Cooperia, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum and the dominant species are Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus placei and Trichostrongylus axei. The mixed infection by several species from the genera is the cause of parasitic gastroenteritis in cattle in Zimbabwe. Production and husbandry practices, season, host age and environment are considered to be the main factors that influence gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle. The geographical distribution of the gastrointestinal nematodes is also reviewed in relation to the climatic conditions of the country. Various control options are discussed and how they are applicable to the Zimbabwean situation. Based on reports and existing data on the epidemiological features of the gastrointestinal nematode infection in cattle, practical control measures are critically reviewed and recommendations are made for a national control programme.
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Shepley E, Vasseur E, Bergeron R, Villeneuve A, Lachance S. Short Communication: Birdsfoot trefoil as a preventative treatment for gastrointestinal nematodes in pastured dairy heifers. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas-2014-169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Shepley, E., Vasseur, E., Bergeron, R., Villeneuve, A. and Lachance, S. 2015. Short Communication: Birdsfoot trefoil as a preventative treatment for gastrointestinal nematodes in pastured dairy heifers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 533–537. Bioactive forages, such as birdsfoot trefoil, may serve as an alternative to anthelmintic drugs in pastured dairy heifers. Differences in parasite burden and growth were examined between eight treatment heifers fed a birdsfoot trefoil mixture and nine control heifer fed alfalfa silage 45-min per day for 12 wk. A significant 3.8- to 9.4-fold reduction in fecal egg counts was observed for treatment heifers at weeks 5, 9, 11 and 12. No treatment effect was found for weight gain. Our results suggest that birdsfoot trefoil may reduce parasite fecal egg counts in pastured dairy heifers without detrimental impact on growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Shepley
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, University of Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, Canada K0B 1A0
| | - E. Vasseur
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, University of Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, Canada K0B 1A0
| | - R. Bergeron
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, University of Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, Canada K0B 1A0
| | - A. Villeneuve
- Départment de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 2M2
| | - S. Lachance
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, University of Guelph, Alfred, Ontario, Canada K0B 1A0
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Gorsich EE, Ezenwa VO, Jolles AE. Nematode-coccidia parasite co-infections in African buffalo: Epidemiology and associations with host condition and pregnancy. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:124-34. [PMID: 25161911 PMCID: PMC4142258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Co-infections are common in natural populations and interactions among co-infecting parasites can significantly alter the transmission and host fitness costs of infection. Because both exposure and susceptibility vary over time, predicting the consequences of parasite interactions on host fitness and disease dynamics may require detailed information on their effects across different environmental (season) and host demographic (age, sex) conditions. This study examines five years of seasonal health and co-infection patterns in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). We use data on two groups of gastrointestinal parasites, coccidia and nematodes, to test the hypothesis that co-infection and season interact to influence (1) parasite prevalence and intensity and (2) three proxies for host fitness: host pregnancy, host body condition, and parasite aggregation. Our results suggest that season-dependent interactions between nematodes and coccidia affect the distribution of infections. Coccidia prevalence, coccidia intensity and nematode prevalence were sensitive to factors that influence host immunity and exposure (age, sex, and season) but nematode intensity was most strongly predicted by co-infection with coccidia and its interaction with season. The influence of co-infection on host body condition and parasite aggregation occurred in season-dependent manner. Co-infected buffalo in the early wet season were in worse condition, had a less aggregated distribution of nematode parasites, and lower nematode infection intensity than buffalo infected with nematodes alone. We did not detect an effect of infection or co-infection on host pregnancy. These results suggest that demographic and seasonal variation may mediate the effects of parasites, and their interactions, on the distribution and fitness costs of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Gorsich
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Vanessa O. Ezenwa
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Anna E. Jolles
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
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Peck GW, Ferguson HJ, Jones VP, O'Neal SD, Walsh DB. Use of a highly sensitive immunomarking system to characterize face fly (Diptera: Muscidae) dispersal from cow pats. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 43:116-122. [PMID: 24472203 DOI: 10.1603/en13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We tested an immunomarking system that used egg white as marker and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a detection assay to characterize face fly (Musca autumnalis DeGeer) dispersal from cow pats in a pastured beef cattle operation. In microcage assays, adult flies acquired marker after contact with cow pats that were treated with marker and field aged up to 11 d. In arena assays on sprayed full-size cow pats, 77% of eclosed face flies acquired the marker. In a field-marking study, four applications of egg white marker were applied on freshly deposited cow pats over a summer at two peripheral paddocks to a main grazing pasture of ≍50 head of beef cattle. Of the 663 face flies captured, 108 were positive for the egg white marker (16.3%). Of the marked flies, ≍ twofold more male than female flies were captured. Sex-specific dispersal distances were roughly equal up to 450 m, with 11% of female flies dispersing >450 m. Dispersal capability of face flies is discussed in relation to efficacy of rotational grazing and other IPM strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W Peck
- Vector Control Department, Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring,MD 20910, USA
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Marley CL, Fychan R, Davies JW, Scollan ND, Richardson RI, Theobald VJ, Genever E, Forbes AB, Sanderson R. Effects of chicory/perennial ryegrass swards compared with perennial ryegrass swards on the performance and carcass quality of grazing beef steers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86259. [PMID: 24489708 PMCID: PMC3904873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An experiment investigated whether the inclusion of chicory (Cichorium intybus) in swards grazed by beef steers altered their performance, carcass characteristics or parasitism when compared to steers grazing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Triplicate 2-ha plots were established with a chicory/ryegrass mix or ryegrass control. Forty-eight Belgian Blue-cross steers were used in the first grazing season and a core group (n = 36) were retained for finishing in the second grazing season. The experiment comprised of a standardisation and measurement period. During standardisation, steers grazed a ryegrass/white clover pasture as one group. Animals were allocated to treatment on the basis of liveweight, body condition and faecal egg counts (FEC) determined 7 days prior to the measurement period. The measurement period ran from 25 May until 28 September 2010 and 12 April until 11 October 2011 in the first and second grazing year. Steers were weighed every 14 days at pasture or 28 days during housing. In the first grazing year, faecal samples were collected for FEC and parasite cultures. At the end of the first grazing year, individual blood samples were taken to determine O. ostertagi antibody and plasma pepsinogen levels. During winter, animals were housed as one group and fed silage. In the second grazing year, steers were slaughtered when deemed to reach fat class 3. Data on steer performance showed no differences in daily live-weight gain which averaged 1.04 kg/day. The conformation, fat grade and killing out proportion of beef steers grazing chicory/ryegrass or ryegrass were not found to differ. No differences in FEC, O. ostertagi antibody or plasma pepsinogen levels of beef steers grazing either chicory/ryegrass or ryegrass were observed. Overall, there were no detrimental effects of including chicory in swards grazed by beef cattle on their performance, carcass characteristics or helminth parasitism, when compared with steers grazing ryegrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Marley
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - Rhun Fychan
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - John W. Davies
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel D. Scollan
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - R. Ian Richardson
- University of Bristol, Food Science and Food Safety Group, Division of Farm Animal Science (DFAS), Langford, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Vince J. Theobald
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Genever
- EBLEX, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth Sanderson
- Animal and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
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Lassen B, Lepik T, Järvis T. Seasonal recovery of Eimeria oocysts from soil on naturally contaminated pastures. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:993-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3731-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lassen B, Lepik T, Bangoura B. Persistence of Eimeria bovis in soil. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2481-6. [PMID: 23563902 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Eimeriosis is a disease that occurs globally and often affects cattle grazing on pastures contaminated with oocysts of the pathogenic species Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii or Eimeria alabamensis, respectively. Nonetheless, little is understood regarding oocyst persistence on the pasture. The study was performed in the temperate climate zone. Soil samples were spiked with 100,000 E. bovis oocysts in July 2010 or with 50,000 oocysts in October 2010, respectively, both either with our without addition of cattle faeces. The soil samples were exposed to natural environmental conditions until April 2011. A subset of the samples was analysed immediately after spiking as positive control. The oocysts were recovered by a flotation method and counted in a reading chamber. On average, 23 % of the oocysts could be recovered from the positive control. The recovery of oocysts dropped to 0.30 % of the original level in the samples prepared in July independent of the addition of faeces, whereas the oocyst count was higher in the samples prepared in October, both without (2.05 %) and with (2.64 %) faecal material. No differences were observed between presence of oocysts or oocyst counts recovered in the presence or absence of faeces. Presence of faeces had a positive influence on oocyst integrity. During the winter season, the number of oocysts in the soil was lowered under the detection limit in most samples. On the other hand, the comparatively short 3-month summer period had a significant influence on the number of persisting oocysts too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lassen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
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Lassen B, Østergaard S. Estimation of the economical effects of Eimeria infections in Estonian dairy herds using a stochastic model. Prev Vet Med 2012; 106:258-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Francisco R, Paz-Silva A, Francisco I, Cortiñas FJ, Miguélez S, Suárez J, Cazapal-Monteiro CF, Suárez JL, Arias MS, Sánchez-Andrade R. Preliminary Analysis of the Results of Selective Therapy Against Strongyles in Pasturing Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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17
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Scientific Opinion on the welfare of cattle kept for beef production and the welfare in intensive calf farming systems. EFSA J 2012; 10:2669. [PMID: 32313568 PMCID: PMC7163673 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Information given in previous Opinions "Welfare of cattle kept for beef production" (SCAHAW, 2001) and "The risks of poor welfare in intensive calf farming systems" (EFSA, 2006) is updated and recent scientific evidence on the topics reviewed. Risks of poor welfare are identified using a structured analysis, and issues not identified in the SCAHAW (2001) beef Opinion, especially effects of housing and management on enteric and respiratory diseases are reviewed. The Opinion covers all systems of beef production, although the welfare of suckler cows or breeding bulls is not considered. The Chapter on beef cattle presents new evidence and recommendations in relation to heat and cold stress, mutilations and pain management, digestive disorders linked to high concentrate feeds and respiratory disorders linked to overstocking, inadequate ventilation, mixing of animals and failure of early diagnosis and treatment. Major welfare problems in cattle kept for beef production, as identified by risk assessment, were respiratory diseases linked to overstocking, inadequate ventilation, mixing of animals and failure of early diagnosis and treatment, digestive disorders linked to intensive concentrate feeding, lack of physically effective fibre in the diet, and behavioural disorders linked to inadequate floor space, and co-mingling in the feedlot. Major hazards for white veal calves were considered to be iron-deficiency anaemia, a direct consequence of dietary iron restriction, enteric diseases linked to high intakes of liquid feed and inadequate intake of physically effective fibre, discomfort and behavioural disorders linked to inadequate floors and floor space.
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Larsson A, Uggla A, Waller P, Höglund J. Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season. Vet Parasitol 2011; 175:135-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Thamsborg SM, Roepstorff A, Nejsum P, Mejer H. Alternative approaches to control of parasites in livestock: Nordic and Baltic perspectives. Acta Vet Scand 2010. [PMCID: PMC2994304 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-s1-s27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Aligning health and welfare principles and practice in organic dairy systems: a review. Animal 2010; 4:259-71. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731109991066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Charlier J, Höglund J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Dorny P, Vercruysse J. Gastrointestinal nematode infections in adult dairy cattle: Impact on production, diagnosis and control. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:70-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Höglund J, Morrison DA, Charlier J, Dimander SO, Larsson A. Assessing the feasibility of targeted selective treatments for gastrointestinal nematodes in first-season grazing cattle based on mid-season daily weight gains. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:80-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Forbes AB, Warren M, Upjohn M, Jackson B, Jones J, Charlier J, Fox MT. Associations between blood gastrin, ghrelin, leptin, pepsinogen and Ostertagia ostertagi antibody concentrations and voluntary feed intake in calves exposed to a trickle infection with O. ostertagi. Vet Parasitol 2009; 162:295-305. [PMID: 19342178 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Revised: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five, castrated male Holstein-cross calves, between 4 and 5 months of age, weighing 156.5+/-12.2 kg and reared under conditions designed to minimise the risk of parasitic infection, were allocated to one of the five treatment groups on the basis of initial bodyweight. The groups were (1) ad libitum (ad lib) fed controls (ALC); (2) ad lib fed infected (INF) and treated with topical eprinomectin on Day 56; (3) controls pair-fed with the INF group (PFC); (4) ad lib fed controls treated with eprinomectin on Days 0 and 56 (E-ALC) and (5) ad lib fed, infected and treated with eprinomectin on Days 0 and 56 (E-INF). Infection comprised a trickle infection with the equivalent of 10,000 larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi per day from Day 0 to Day 56 and the study concluded on Day 77. Parameters measured throughout the study included: liveweight, feed intake, faecal egg counts; plasma pepsinogen, gastrin, ghrelin and leptin; plasma antibodies to adult O. ostertagi. No significant differences in feed intake or liveweight gain were observed between any of the different groups, a finding thought to result from the high quality of feed offered. Significant differences between the INF and control groups however were observed in faecal egg counts, plasma pepsinogen, gastrin and O. ostertagi antibodies, which were all elevated, and leptin, which was reduced. Values of these parameters for the E-INF group were intermediate between the INF and ALC groups. Plasma ghrelin showed no association with either feed intake or parasitism. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the roles of various biochemical and neuroendocrine mediators for inappetence in ruminants with parasitic gastroenteritis.
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Forbes A, Huckle C, Gibb M. Evaluation of the effect of eprinomectin in young dairy heifers sub-clinically infected with gastrointestinal nematodes on grazing behaviour and diet selection. Vet Parasitol 2007; 150:321-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Larsson A, Dimander SO, Rydzik A, Waller PJ, Höglund J. A 3-year field evaluation of pasture rotation and supplementary feeding to control parasite infection in first-season grazing cattle—Dynamics of pasture infectivity. Vet Parasitol 2007; 145:129-37. [PMID: 17257763 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A 3-year grazing trial (2002-2004) was conducted on a commercial beef cattle farm in south-central Sweden to assess different methods of parasite control. This paper focuses on the dynamics of the free-living larval stages, whereas data on performance and within-host parasitological variables are presented in a complementary paper. Each year in May, 4 groups of 10 first-season grazing (FSG) steers were turned out on to separate 2ha paddocks and subjected to the following strategies: (1) spring turn-out on to pasture which had been grazed the previous year by second-season grazing (SSG) steers (paddock RT), followed by a move to aftermath (paddock AM) after 10 weeks (mid-July), (2) supplementary feeding with concentrate and hay for 4 weeks following turn-out (paddock FD), set stocked, (3) untreated control (paddock UT), set stocked and (4) anthelmintic treated control (paddock DO), set stocked. All paddocks were assigned a new set of FSG cattle each year whereas the treatments remained the same. Pasture infectivity were monitored partly by two tracer calves that grazed each paddock along with the FSG calves for 3 weeks after turn-out and prior to housing, partly by analysis of herbage samples for infective larvae (L3) that were collected from each paddock at monthly intervals between April and October. The predominant genera found were Cooperia and Ostertagia. Tracers grazing paddock RT overall harboured less worms, and in particular less Ostertagia spp., and tracers grazing paddock AM in mid-July harboured insignificant numbers of nematodes compared to tracers on the FD and UT paddocks. Although total worm counts varied between groups, smaller numbers were generally observed early in the grazing-season (May), compared to close to housing (September) when inhibited early L4 larvae were almost exclusively found. Results observed from herbage samples showed high numbers of L3 in spring before the time of turn-out, compared to around housing. In conclusion, the rotation control strategy showed promising results and provided a turn-out pasture that was 'nematode safe' to FSG cattle the following spring, whereas the feeding strategy failed as applied in this experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Larsson
- Department of Parasitology (SWEPAR), National Veterinary Institute and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
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