Effect of Experimental Infection withHaemonchus contortuson Parasitological and Local Cellular Responses in Resistant and Susceptible Young Creole Goats

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationships of cellular changes in the abomasal mucosa and parasitological parameters, by comparing resistant and susceptible young Creole goats (kids) after experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus. The kids were infected over 2 periods (challenges 1 and 2) of 7 and 6 weeks, respectively. Fecal egg count (FEC), blood eosinophilia, packed cell volume (PCV), and body weight were weekly monitored. At the end of both challenges a subgroup of kids was slaughtered for nematode burden measurements and analysis of inflammatory cell infiltration in the abomasal mucosa. The average daily gain was higher in resistant kids after both challenges. Blood eosinophilia and FEC were higher in susceptible kids after both challenges. The number of immature worms and the means of female length were lower after challenge 2 whatever the genetic status. No differences were observed in the eosinophil and mononuclear cell infiltration between challenges 1 and 2 and resistant and susceptible kids. Globule leukocyte infiltration was found higher after the challenge 1 in resistant kids. This effect of the genetic status on globule leukocytes counts but not on the other inflammatory cell highlights the need for further study on the functional activity of these cell populations.

Divergent selection on milk somatic cell count in goats improves udder health and milk quality with no effect on nematode resistance

“…Goats were susceptible to the experimental infestation with H. contortus and became anemic (PCV around 22-24%) and exhibited high egg counts (>1,400 eggs per gram of feces) at 3 to 4 wk after infestation. The anemia profiles after first challenge were similar to those observed in Creole kids (Bambou et al, 2013); FEC and anemia after the second challenge were higher in our adult lactating goats. The clear degree of protection, reported in Creole kids previously infected with H. contortus, was not observed in the current study.…”

Epidemiological study on abomasal nematodes in slaughtered small ruminants raised in the guinea savannah zone of Nigeria

“…Worm collection, identification and counting were made in accordance with procedures and techniques described by Rober et al (2013). The recovery of immature stages of H. contortus from the mucosa of the abomasum of sheep and goats was performed, using the digestion technique (Bambou et al, 2013). Faecal samples collection and analysis: Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the animals using clean disposable polythene gloves.…”

“…The nematode eggs present were identified in general terms as strongylid eggs, except for the eggs of Strongyloides and Trichuris species; using the keys given by Roeber et al (2013). The faecal egg counts per gram were determined by the modified McMaster techniques using saturated solution of sodium chloride as the floating medium (Bambou et al, 2013).…”

“…In Nigeria it is estimated that about 40-60% of the lambs die due to gastrointestinal nematode infections (Owhoeli et al, 2014). Apart from mortality, other losses include lowering of reproductive rate, weight loss and increased cost of production due to additional veterinary bills (Bambou et al, 2013). Small ruminants play an important socioeconomic role within traditional farming systems in many developing countries, including Nigeria, where 80-90% of the nation's livestock lies in the hand of small holders or other traditional groups (Dalhatu & Ala, 2010).…”

Development of immunity in boer goats naturally infected with the nematode haemonchus contortus

“…Genetic resistance against GIN in small ruminants was closely related to their immune response (Williams 2011). The parameters that are commonly used in the study of immune response, and resistance and resilience of goats to nematode H. contortus were: live weight gain, FEC, PVC, worm counts, blood eosinophils counts, and specific immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgE) concentration (Chartier & Hoste 1997;Baker et al 1998;Fakae et al 1999;Fakae et al 2004;Bambou et al 2009a;Bambou et al 2009b;Chiejina et al 2010;de la Chevrotie`re 2010; Bambou et al 2013). The results from the studies above generally agreed that resistant goats had unaffected body weights, low worm counts, low FEC, maintained or had high PCV values, blood eosinophilia especially after primary challenges either by artificial challenges or natural infection of H. contortus, and increased IgG concentration.…”