Cyathostomin fecal egg count and milk quality in dairy donkeys.

Stefania Perrucci,Iolanda Altomonte,Michela Maestrini,Lisa Guardone,Federica Salari,Mina Martini,Simona Nardoni,Marcelo Beltrão Molento

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612021046

Stefania Perrucci, Iolanda Altomonte + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1984-29612021046

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Abstract

This study was performed to assess the possible relationship between gastrointestinal strongylid infections and milk quantity and quality in donkeys used for milk production. Individual fecal and milk samples were collected from 16 multiparous lactating jennies of Amiatina breed at their 6th month of lactation. Statistical analysis was carried out between strongylid eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and milk parameters. All animals were found to shed cyathostomin eggs, with EPG ranging from 150 to 1900. A higher milk production was observed in animals showing an EPG< 250, but this result was statistically not significant. Conversely, significant higher concentrations of milk urea and pH values, and lower concentrations of milk lactose, were observed in jennies with an EPG >1000. In conclusion, results from this study suggest that cyathostomin EPG values > 1000 may affect milk quality in dairy donkeys. Considering the novelty of these findings, more data needs to be collected to determine EPG thresholds to be used as a good marker for parasite infections influencing milk performance and quality in donkeys.

Highlights

The interest in the breeding of dairy donkeys has increased in some European countries, Italy
This study aimed to correlate the quantitative and qualitative parameters of milk and the gastrointestinal strongylid infections measured by parasite fecal egg count in dairy donkeys
Jennies from the low infection group (< 250 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG)) had an average milk production that was approximately 200 ml higher when compared to animals from the high infection group (>1000 EPG)

Summary

Introduction

The interest in the breeding of dairy donkeys has increased in some European countries, Italy. These animals are used for social activities, and their milk is used for the cosmetic industry and, mainly, for producing milk intended for human consumption (Camillo et al, 2018). Among the diseases of donkeys, endoparasites are frequently observed and may negatively affect the health and the productive performances of infected animals (Matthews & Burden, 2013; Laus et al, 2015). Gastrointestinal nematodes are included among the most frequent endoparasite infections of donkeys worldwide (Matthews & Burden, 2013; Ragona et al, 2016). This study aimed to correlate the quantitative and qualitative parameters of milk and the gastrointestinal strongylid infections measured by parasite fecal egg count in dairy donkeys

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