Faecal egg output in Jakhrana goats naturally infected by Haemonchus contortus: Physiological states and seasons effect

Abstract

Haemonchus contortus infection leads to production losses and mortality in severe cases along with increased cost of management. Faecal samples of 282 Jakhrana goats maintained at the institute were screened to assess the susceptibility to naturally acquired gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasite (predominantly Haemonchus contortus) in different physiological states namely dry, lactating and pregnant stages of does and to study the haematological changes of animals during the course of infection. The faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) were estimated. All the raw data of fecal egg count were transformed by loge (FEC+100) before analysis. All the fixed effects, viz. year of sampling, season of sampling and physiological status of does had significant effects on log transformed value of faecal egg count (LFEC) of does. The highest faecal egg count was observed in rainy season followed by summer and winter. The dry animals had significantly higher faecal egg count as compared to lactating does, whereas no significant variations in LFEC existed between dry and pregnant animals. The investigation also showed that season of sampling had significant effect on Hb content and PCV of animals during the study period. However, the physiological states of does had no significant effect on Hb and PCV of does. Results were also interpreted in terms of genetic resistance of breed against Haemonchus infection.