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The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and variation of natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in lambs according to birth type, gender and breed based on individual faecal egg counts (FEC) from various regions in Germany. A total of 3,924 lambs (3 to 15 months old) with different genetic backgrounds (Merinoland, German Blackhead Mutton, Rhoen, Texel and Merino long-wool) were individually sampled during the grazing period between 2006 and 2008. Furthermore, pooled faecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate the third-stage larvae of the nematode spp. Sixty-three percent of the lambs were infected with GIN. The infections were mostly low to moderate and involved several nematode species. The Trichostrongylus spp. was the predominant species based on the percentage of larvae in faecal cultures. Only 11.4% of the lambs were free of Eimeria oocysts. Tapeworm eggs were encountered in 13.2% of all samples. The prevalence of GIN infections varied significantly (P < 0.001) among farms. A significantly higher FEC (P < 0.05) was observed in multiple-born lambs when compared with singletons. Moreover, male lambs were more susceptible to infection than females (P < 0.001). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between breeds regarding FEC. Inter-individual variations were higher than inter-breed differences, which may indicate the possibility of selection within these breeds for parasites resistance as described in earlier studies.

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Embryos were collected transcervically from 38 unanesthetized goats in a standing position. Goats of the Boer breed were superovulated by injecting them with 16 mg of pFSH containing 40% LH. Collection took place 6 d after the last mating. A luteolytic dose of PGF2alpha was injected 16, 8, or 0 h before flushing the uterine lumen. One half of each group received an additional injection of oxytocin just before flushing. The flushing catheter was introduced transcervically, and 24 flushings were performed, with a 2-h pause between the first 12 and the last 12 flushings. Injection of PGF2alpha 16 or 8 h before transcervical embryo collection resulted in a significant increase (P < .001, chi-square test) in embryo recovery (-16 h: 91% with oxytocin, 85% without; -8 h: 91% with oxytocin, 80% without) compared with an injection at the time of collection (52% with oxytocin, 66% without). The recovery rate which was estimated as the percentage of embryos recovered relative to the number of corpora lutea counted endoscopically, was comparable to that achieved by surgical collection. There were no differences among groups with regard to embryo morphology. Embryos were transferred, and healthy kids were born. The nonsurgical collection of caprine embryos may be considered a viable alternative to conventional surgical procedures.