Application of a body condition score index for targeted selective treatment in adult Merino sheep—A modelling study

Abstract

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. AbstractThis study aimed to establish whether sheep flock production losses due to nematode (worm)infections are typically greater in mature sheep selected for anthelmintic treatment at random compared to sheep selected for treatment based on low (poorer) body condition score (BCS).The study also examined the proportion of sheep in flocks that could be left untreated before production losses became evident, and projected worm egg pasture contamination. Sheep were monitored at two experimental sites in Western Australia (Mediterranean climate).Sheep were stratified for BCS, liveweight and faecal worm egg count (WEC) and allocated into treatment groups (treated or untreated), with equal numbers for each. Liveweight, BCSand WEC measurements were taken on 6 occasions at Farm A and 10 occasions at Farm B.Comparisons of sheep production (liveweight and BCS change) and pasture contamination potential (WEC) were conducted by generating "virtual flocks" of varying proportions sheep untreated (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% untreated). For the comparison of the selection mode of sheep for treatment, the untreated sheep were either selected at random, or as the highest BCS animals at the commencement of observations. Univariate general linear models with least square difference post-hoc tests were used to examine differences between flocks for liveweight, BCS and WEC, and regression analysis was used to examine relationships between BCS and WEC, and liveweight and WEC. No difference in body weights was observed between flocks with varying proportions of ewes notionally left untreated at Farm B, and until more than 30% were left untreated at Farm A. There was no difference in BCS between flocks with varying proportions of ewes left untreated at either site. At no point were there differences in cumulative liveweight change or BCS between selection methods (BCS versus random) where the same proportion of sheep in virtual flocks were left untreated, suggesting that effort committed to individual BCS assessment would be of no benefit under these circumstances except for identifying low BCS sheep at risk of falling below critical 3 limits associated with health or welfare risks. No consistent relationship between WEC and BCS or bodyweight was observed, indicating that BCS selection would have no lesser or greater impact on worm pasture contamination compared to random selection. Summer treatments based on a random selection index (with a minimum BCS limit), with up to 30% of adult sheep untreated can be expected to delay the development of anthelmintic resistance, with mini...

Computer modelling of anthelmintic resistance and worm control outcomes for refugia-based nematode control strategies in Merino ewes in Western Australia

“…Recent investigations in Australia demonstrated that body condition score is a simple and practical indicator for a TST strategy in large flocks of adult sheep, and can be used to identify individual ewes at risk of compromised production or welfare if left untreated (Besier et al, 2010;Cornelius et al, 2014). These concluded that in Mediterranean environments, and where ewes are in good body condition, the random selection of wellconditioned ewes is a feasible and effective indicator of the sheep to leave untreated (Cornelius et al, 2015b).…”

“…Field investigations in Western Australia have confirmed that a TST strategy based on the selection of ewes for treatment (or otherwise) using body condition score is a practical procedure and does not jeopardise wool production when applied in adult sheep flocks in this environment (Besier et al, 2010), or adversely affect body weight or condition score (Cornelius et al, 2014;Cornelius et al, 2015b). However, field studies to determine the longer-term effects on the development of anthelmintic resistance and impacts on worm control effectiveness in the flock into the future are difficult and expensive to conduct in real time.…”