Protective response of low molecular weight protein and crude antigen of Haemonchus contortus in Barbari goats

Abstract

The protective effect ofa low molecular weight protein antigen (LMWPAg) and crude somatic antigen (CSA) was observed in 12 Barbari goats between 6 and 9 months ofage. The goats were divided in 3 groups having 4 animals each. Groups Aand B were vaccinated with LMWPAg and CSA, respectively, on 0, 14 and 21 days of the experiments and group C remained as a non-vaccinated control. All 3 groups were challenged with 5000 L3 Haemonchus contortus larvae on day 24 ofthe experiment. The observations on pre-patent period, faecal egg count, abomasal worm count, worm length and weight measurement, haematological parameters like total erythrocyte count (TEC), differential leukocyte count, haemoglobin, biochemical profile of enzymes and proteins along with serological response were recorded. The observations revealed a significant increase in the pre-patent period with a simultaneous decrease in faecal egg, worm count, mean worm length and weight in vaccinated groups. Haemograms of 3 groups revealed significant rise in total erythrocyte and lymphocyte and fall in neutrophil counts in vaccinated groups. pev, haemoglobin, and globulin-albumin ratio were also observed significantly higher in vaccinated than that in control group. Serum alkaline phosphatase, however, remained similar in all groups.