Abstract
Parasitic gastroenteritis caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) continues to be a major constraint against profitable small rumi nant production. The increasing prevalence and severity of anthelmintic-resistant nematodes in many parts of the world has led to a search for non-chemical control options. Approaches alternative or adjunct to chemotherapy for the control of GIN in ruminants are being increasingly important in India because of rapidly developing anthelmintic resistance in nematodes and the increasing concern of chemical residues in animal products and environment. Significant advances have been made in biological control by exploiting nematophagous fungi in different parts of the world including India. Initial studies in India demonstrate that GIN control by larvaetrapping fungi looks promising but suitable system for delivering the fungi to ruminants and practical dosing regimes integrated with nutritional and managemental control measures hold promise for sustainable control measure. Synergism of fungal control measures with feeding and nutritional manipulation accentuate correction of nutrient deficiency in grazing animals as well as recuperation of supra-nutritional demand in the event of GIN infection. This papers reviews the work done on both these aspects including delineation of possibilities for a synergistic approach for control of GIN infection in small ruminants. Adoption of this synergistic model for GIN control measures will definitely reduce parasite pathogenesis and the use of chemical anthelmintics, as well.
Highlights
Over the last 50 years a number of very effective anthelmintic drugs have been discovered and made available to farmers to successfully control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN)
In the mountain regions of Spain, D. flagrans spores fed to sheep at critical times of GIN epidemiology resulted into significant reduction in larval numbers on pasture, which could further improve lamb performance [48]
In India, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) has undertaken some studies to assess the effect of biological control in association with dietary supplementation strategy by delivering the fungus in complete feed block (CFB) post-grazing [95]
Summary
Over the last 50 years a number of very effective anthelmintic drugs have been discovered and made available to farmers to successfully control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). No biological control agent will eliminate the number of infective stages to zero, the grazing animals will constantly receive a small amount of parasitic larvae and thereby should be able to develop a natural immune response.
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