S. Schoenian1, M. Bennett2, J. Dietz-Band3, D. Jackson4, and J. Semler5.
1Sheep and Goat Specialist, University
of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Western Maryland Research & Education
Center, Keedysville, MD 21756
2 Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, West Virginia University
Cooperative Extension, Berkely County Extension Office, Martinsburg, WV 25401
3Many Rocks Farm, Keedysville, MD 21756
4Small Ruminant Specialist, Delaware State University, Dover, DE
56Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland
Cooperative Extension, Washington County Extension Office, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Gastro-intestinal parasites, especially the barber pole worm (Haemonchus
contortus), limit the profitability and expansion of the meat goat industry
in many states. Past parasite control programs which relied primarily upon anthelmintic
treatments are no longer effective and/or sustainable, due to the widespread
emergence of drug-resistant worms. FAMACHA© is a novel system for assessing
barber pole worm infection in small ruminants and determining the need for deworming
individual animals. In 2006 and 2007, the FAMACHA© system was used to control
internal parasites in male goats participating in the Western Maryland Pasture-Based
Meat Goat Performance Test. From early June until early October, the goats were
rotationally grazed on 10 to 12 acres of pasture, composed primarily of cool
season grasses. The goats were dewormed upon arrival to the test site, and fecal
samples were collected at d-0, d-28, and d-56. While on test, they were handled
were handled every 14 days to determine their FAMACHA© and body condition
scores. Goats with FAMACHA© scores of 4 or 5 were dewormed, while those
with scores of 1 or 2 were not treated. Some with scores of 3 were treated,
depending upon other factors. Body weights were determined every 14 to 28 d.
In 2006, 51 anthelmintic treatments were administered to the 31 goats for an
average of 1.65 treatments per animal (excluding the initial deworming). Four
goats did not require deworming during the testing period. Thirteen were treated
once. Seven were dewormed twice. Only seven goats required 3 or more anthelmintic
treatments. The need for anthelmintic treatment peaked on August 11 when two
thirds of the goats required deworming. ADG was 86 + 20 g per day. Only 4 anthelmintic
treatments were administered to the 47 goats participating in the 2007 meat
goat test (excluding the initial treatment). The lack of need for deworming
was attributed to drought conditions. ADG was 115 + 16 g per day. The FAMACHA©
system proved to be an effective tool for monitoring and controlling internal
parasitism in meat goats grazing summer pastures.
This abstract was presented at the Annual
meeting of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science, Dallas,
Texas, February 5, 2008.
Other Abstracts