An evaluation of the parasitological and production responses to a single pre-lambing anthelmintic treatment of ewes

Abstract

Three trials were conducted in successive years to evaluate the parasitological and productivity responses, in both ewes and lambs. to a single pre-lambing treatment of ewes with thiabendazole.The treatment did not significantly increase the live-weight gain of lambs from birth to weaning, or significantly reduce the faecal egg count of lambs up to weaning.In one trial there was a significant increase in the greasy fleece weight of treated ewes, and in two trials there was a significant improvement in wool growth. In one trial there was a reduction in cotting and tenderness of wools from treated ewes. Treatment did not affect style grading of fleeces in any of the three trials.The results suggest that pre-lambing anthelmintic treatment of ewes is of doubtful economic value as a routine control procedure.