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Small Ruminant
Abstracts |
Characterizing the parasite challenge of meat goats grazing summer pastures in Western Maryland
S. Schoenian1, J. Semler2, M. Bennett3, J. Deitz-Band4, and D.J. O'Brien5
1Sheep & Goat Specialist, University
of Maryland Extension, Western Maryland Research & Education
Center, Keedysville, MD 21756
2Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Extension, Washington County, Boonsboro, MD 21713
3Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, West Virginia University
Cooperative Extension, Berkely County, Martinsburg, WV 25401
4Extension Program Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Extension, Washington County, Boonsboro, MD 21713
5Small Ruminant Specialist, Delaware State University, Dover DE 19901
Internal parasites (i.e. gastro-intestinal worms) are the primary health problem affecting grazing goats, but the severity and nature of the problem varies by year, season, and various other factors. To characterize the parasite challenge of meat goats grazing summer pastures in Western Maryland, data was collected from the 57 male goats that participated in the 2008 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test. At the beginning of the test, the goats were administered anthelmintics from two different chemical classes. Individual and pooled fecal samples were collected every two weeks. Individual fecal samples were sent to Delaware State University for fecal egg count determination using the modified McMaster procedure. Pooled fecal samples were submitted to the University of Georgia for coproculture. Body weights, FAMACHA© eye anemia scores, and body condition scores were assessed bi-weekly. Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 4 and 5 were dewormed, while goats with scores of 1 and 2 were not treated. The initial anthelmintic treatments reduced fecal egg counts by more than 95 percent. Excluding the initial treatments, the 57 goats were dewormed an average of 1 additional time. 28 goats (49%) did not require any additional anthelmintic treatment, while the remainder required 1 or more treatments. Fecal egg counts and FAMACHA© scores peaked on August 29 when almost half of the goats required anthelmintic treatment. Haemonchus contortus was the primary parasite infecting the goats, comprising 96 to 100 percent of the worm load. There was considerable difference among individual goats for parasite resistance and resilience.
This abstract was presented as a poster at the Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the National Association of Country Agricultural Agents in Portland, Oregon in September 2009.