Effect of Copper Oxide Needles on Gastrointestinal Parasites in Grazing Meat Goats
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Date
2005-04-14
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism may be the most challenging health problem associated with raising goats. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) oxide needles (CuON) on trichostrongylid parasites in grazing Boer-cross yearling goats. In trial 1, 18 does and 18 wethers (40 kg BW) were stratified by fecal egg counts (FEC) and sex, and sorted into 6 groups of 6 animals in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. On d 0, control (CTL) goats received a combined dose of fenbendazole (10 mg/kg BW) and levamisole (11 mg/kg BW) whereas treated goats received a 5 g CuON bolus. In trial 2, 45 wethers (48 kg BW) were stratified by FEC and randomly assigned to 1 of 9 groups of 5 animals each in a RCBD with 3 replications. Treatments were 0 g (CTL), 5 g, or 10 g of a CuON bolus. In both trials, goats were rotationally grazed in separate bermudagrass/crabgrass plots. Fecal and blood samples were taken every 7 d. Liver samples and the abomasum (trial 2 only) were taken when animals were sacrificed on d 77 (trial 1) and d 59, 60 and 63 (trial 2). In trial 1, FEC were lower (P < .06) for CuON goats on d 31 (2,426 vs 4,115 eggs/g feces). Packed cell volume was higher in CTL goats on d 67 (32.2 vs 27.7%, P < .02) and d 74 (28.8 vs 24.6%, P < .03). Total protein was also higher in CTL goats on d 53 (6.6 vs 6.0 g/dL, P < .03) and d 74 (6.4 vs 5.7 g/dL, P < .01). Liver Cu concentrations were higher (P < .044) in CuON goats (395 vs 138 mg/kg DM). Liver lesions and plasma Cu concentrations did not differ. In trial 2, FEC were higher (P < .01) in CTL than 10g CuON goats on d 14 (CTL: 4117; 5 g: 2795; 10 g: 1768 eggs/g feces). Goats on 10 g CuON had lower (P < .04) PCV on d 14 (CTL: 31.3; 5 g: 32.4; 10 g: 29.1%). Liver Cu concentrations increased linearly (P < .01) (CTL: 92; 5 g: 296; 10 g: 386 mg/kg DM). Total protein, plasma Cu concentrations, liver lesions and number of Haemonchus contortus or Trichostrongylus axei found in the abomasum were similar. Although CuON have the potential to become part of an integrated internal parasite program, additional research is needed before CuON can be recommended as a safe and effective anthelmintic.
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Keywords
copper, goats, parasites
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Degree
MS
Discipline
Animal Science
