SR9215 - Overwintering of gastrointestinal parasites in organic sheep production

This project was funded by OMAFRA through the 2009 New Directions & Alternative Renewable Fuels Research program.

Lead researcher

Dr. Andrew Peregrine, Dept. of Pathobiology, University of Guelph

Objectives

1. To determine factors affecting over-wintering and periparturient egg rise (PPER) in ewes:

• group level factors, e.g., season of lambing
• individual level factors, e.g., prolificacy

2. To determine if strategic timing of anthelmintic treatment reduces PPER.
3. To determine factors affecting the overwintering survival of gastrointenstinal nematodes (GIN) including Haemonchus contortus on pasture under central Canadian conditions.
4. If over-winterered L3 H. contortus larvae are capable of establishing a patent infection in naïve lambs.

Expected benefits

1. Improve understanding of factors that affect two major sources of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) responsible for parasitic infections in sheep.
2. To develop a strategic integrated parasite control program for both organic and conventional sheep flocks in central Canada which will reduce level of disease, reliance on anthelmintics and thus improve the productivity of this sector.

Results

Currently not available

Related information

• Other projects which were funded through the 2009 New Directions & Alternative Renewable Fuels Research Program
• The Alternative Renewable Fuels Research and Development Fund
• The New Directions Research Program