The use of FAMACHA in estimation of gastrointestinal nematodes and total worm burden in Damara and Barbados Blackbelly cross sheep

Abstract

The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and total worm burden of Damara and Barbados Blackbelly cross sheep was investigated among smallholder farms in Salak Tinggi district of Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 50 sheep raised in smallholder farms comprising of 27 Damara cross and 23 Barbados Blackbelly cross were categorized based on their age into young and adults. Fecal samples were collected and examined for strongyle egg count by using modified McMaster technique. Severity of infection was categorized into mild, moderate, and heavy, based on egg per gram (EPG). Five sheep were randomly selected and slaughtered to examine the presence of adult gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes through total worm count (TWC). Faffa Malan Chart (FAMACHA) score was used for investigation of worm load based on the degree of anemia. The study revealed an overall EPG prevalence of 88 %, of which 84.1 % had mild infection. There was a significant difference (p = 0.002) in EPG among the two breeds. Based on age, significant difference (p = 0. 004) in EPG was observed among Barbados Blackbelly cross, but not for Damara cross (p = 0.941). The correlation between severity of infection and the FAMACHA score was significant (r = 0.289; p = 0.042). Haemonchus spp. were the most predominant nematode found in the gastrointestinal tract, followed by Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum spps. EPG and TWC for Haemonchus were positively correlated, but not significant (r = 0.85, p = 0.066). From regression analysis, 73 % of the variability in TWC for Haemonchus could be explained by EPG. Thus, it can be concluded that FAMACHA score correlates well with severity of infection of a nematode and can be used to assess the strongyle nematode burden in the different sheep crosses.

Morbidity Parameters Associated with Gastrointestinal Tract Nematodes in Sheep in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia

“…In small ruminants, gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) infections represent important challenges in the tropical and subtropical regions [ 5 , 6 ]. Infections with GIN affect the welfare of the animals and cause huge economic losses in livestock farming [ 7 ].…”

“…The most common GINs that affect small ruminants are Haemonchus , Trichostrongylus , Ostertagia , Cooperia , Bunostomum , Oesophagostomum , Chabertia , and Nematodirus [ 8 ]. There are potential threats associated with economic losses through lowered productivity, reduced animal performance and weight gain, retarded growth, a cost of treatment, and mortality [ 6 , 9 , 10 ].…”

The use of targeted selective treatments on controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in different sheep categories under grazing system

“…The use of different strategies on control of gastrointestinal nematodes (FAMACHA © system, clinical signs, body condition score and fecal egg count) was beneficial with evaluated in different sheep categories (Mohammed et al 2016), showing a different response intra-herd, but a high ability of the animals against GIN (Molento 2009). Also, an early identification of high percentage of anemic animals, with high fecal egg count, lower PCV and TPP could represent an early therapeutic approach within the modern concept of targeted selective treatments (O'Shaughnessy et al 2015) with a subsequent strategic and economic benefit (Di Loria et al 2009).…”

“…To better parasitic control and to reduce the use of anthelmintic some strategies have been proposed: biological control (Waller 2006), cooper oxide needles (Vatta et al 2009), medicinal plants (Sawleha et al 2010), vaccination (Arunkumar et al 2012) and the use of targeted selective treatments (TST) (Kenyon & Jackson 2012, O'Shaughnessy et al 2015, Mohammed et al 2016. As per of our knowledge, one of the cutting-edge resources used to slow down the development of anthelmintic resistance is the FAMACHA © system, a selective method useful for controlling gastrointestinal verminosis in small ruminants.…”

The Current Status of Indigenous Ovine Genetic Resources in Southern Africa and Future Sustainable Utilisation to Improve Livelihoods

“…A number of functional genomics studies have indicated that the Damara does have an unique fatty acid metabolism [32]. In comparison to the Barbados blackbelly sheep in Malaysia, the Damara exhibited lower gastro-intestinal infection [33]. Tolerance to seasonal weight loss, which is an important adaptation trait during seasonal droughts, was exhibited by the Damara and Dorper breeds in relation to the Australian Merino [34,35].…”