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Ann. Méd. Vét., 2001, 145 (3), pp 210 - 216 Impact of ticks on the growth rate of the Djallonke lambs.HOUNZANGBE-ADOTE M.M.S., LINTON E., KOUTINHOUIN G.B., LOSSON B., MOUTAIROU K.Abstract :
The effect of ticks infestation on growth rate in naturally infested lamns was studied during eight months (September 1997 - April 1998). Sixty three lambs were used, wich were divided into three groups containing each 21 animals (6 males and 15 females). Ticks were collected every day on animals of group 1 and monthly in group 2. Group 3 was used as a control group. Body weights were recorded weekly.
Ticks identification revealed the presence of Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus sp. which represented 80.9% and 19.1% of the total (735 parasites) respectively.
Lamb growth varied form one group to the other : 50,4 ± 12g, 42,5 ± 8g and 42,2 ± 7g in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively; the difference was signigicant (P < 0.01) between group 1 and the other groups.
The study indicates that growth, especially before weaning, seems to be reduced by ticks. Get the PDF Contact person : blosson@ulg.ac.be |
