The Question of Eimeriosis of Lambs in Small Farms

Abstract

The article provides data on keeping lambs in small farms and homesteads in the Cherkasy region. Coprological studies have identified eimeria oocysts, in particular E. crandallis, E. intricate, E. arloingi, E. faurei, which are found in lambs and cause a lot of damage to their bodies. The presence of eimeria oocysts is associated with insufficient sanitary measures in cages and pens, which significantly affect the economic indicators of the profitability of small farms, which in turn limit the increase in the attractiveness of sheep farming. It has been established that eimeriosis in lambs often runs chronically, sometimes acutely. In lambs from the age of one month, characteristic clinical signs are observed: anemia of visible mucous membranes, diarrhea, depression, weakness and death. It has been noted that the intestinal epithelium of lambs is damaged during infestation. This worsens their assimilation of nutrients from food. It has been established that sick or sick lambs cause significant economic losses for such small farms, in particular, the profitability of wool, leather, and meat production decreases. It has been studied that at the beginning of the infestation, visible clinical signs in lambs depend on certain factors, in particular their age, weaning from the ewe, feeding, sanitary conditions in cages and pens, as well as various stressful situations. In older lambs, there is a tendency to infection with eіmeria. At the same time, eіmeriosis in them can be chronic or not clinically manifested, but Eimeria oocysts are excreted in their feces in a small amount, compared to one-month-old lambs during an acute course. In this regard, it is important, taking into account the time of year, to carry out diagnostic studies and medical and preventive measures for lambs of different age groups in small farms and homesteads.