Differentiation of vulnerability to parasitic infections in various breeds of sheep in the Lubelskie region

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of parasitic invasions between Uhruska sheep (a local breed protected in a genetic resources protection program) and two synthetic sheep lines: BCP and SCP. The sheep were kept in the same flock in a combined indoor-pasture management system with unified feeding and environmental conditions. The observed farm is located in south-east Poland. The study animals were 210 mother ewes of similar age (Uhruska breed – 70 sheep, synthetic prolific-meat BCP line – 70 sheep, SCP synthetic line – 70 sheep). The study material was faeces collected from the rectum of every mother ewe in autumn (November), winter (January), spring (April) and summer (June). On the basis of the obtained results, the following parasites were detected: Eimeria spp. and nematodes from the family Trichostrongylidae, as well as the genera Capillaria and Nematodirus. It was shown that in almost all cases the invasion intensity was similar, while the prevalence of parasitic invasion was significantly lower in local Uhruska breed sheep than in synthetic lines. This could stem from the better adaptation of the animals to the environmental conditions. The results of the observations indicate a need for further studies on the resistance of local breeds to parasitic invasions. The use of resistance breeds may be helpful in effective breeding work aimed at reducing the risk of infection. Such activity could lead to better growth and fewer deaths, which would certainly contribute to an improved profitability of sheep production.