Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in Santa Ines lambs: impact on feed digestibility, blood markers, and nitrogen balance

Author(s)

Dias-Silva, Tairon Pannunzio ; Abdalla Filho, Adibe Luiz ; Katiki, Luciana Morita ; Talamini do Amarante, Alessandro Francisco ; Abdalla, Adibe Luiz ; Louvandini, Helder

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA; v. 29, n. 2, p. 7-pg., 2020-01-01.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection on the hemato-biochemical parameters, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Santa Ines lambs. Eighteen three-month-old Santa Ines castrated male lambs (16.9 +/- 1.43 kg of body weight) were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: infected with T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) and uninfected (U, n = 9). The I group received a total of 45,000 L-3 larvae of T. colubriformis (5,000 infective larvae, three times per week, for three weeks). During the experimental period, blood, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance were evaluated. The I lambs showed a reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and total proteins, as well as an increase in platelets and eosinophils compared to those in the U group (p < 0.05). With the exception of total protein content, these values were within the normal range for the species. Furthermore, lower dry matter and organic matter digestibility were observed in the I lambs (p = 0.08). The present findings highlight that T. colubriformis infection has the potential to impair some hemato-biochemical parameters as well as feed digestibility in lambs, which could affect their productivity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/05023-1 - Phosphorus modeling in sheep submitted to experimental infection with Trichostrongylus colubriformis with the use of 32P
• Grantee: Tairon Pannunzio Dias e Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate