A field trial of production and financial consequences of helminthosis control in sheep production in Ethiopia

Prev Vet Med. 2008 Apr 17;84(1-2):152-60. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2007.12.011.

Abstract

We used a partial-budget analysis to evaluate profitability of different management strategies of three genotypes of sheep in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment conducted at Debre Berhan research station in the central highlands of Ethiopia. This involved two anthelmintic-treatment levels (treated vs. non-treated), two supplementary nutrition levels (protein-energy supplementation yes/no) and three genotypes: indigenous Menz (n=40), 50% Awassi x 50% Menz crosses (n=38) and 75% Awassi x 25% Menz crosses (n=31). All sheep were exposed to natural sub-clinical helminthosis challenge. Supplemented sheep were offered a concentrate mix daily on an individual basis. Anthelmintic-treated sheep were drenched with fenbendazole against nematodes and with triclabendazole against trematodes. Data were collected during the experimental period (for 10 months from approximately 1 year of age) on feed intake, live weight, eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, packed-cell volume (PCV), wool weight, and adult-worm burden. Actual market input and output prices were recorded. Supplemented sheep had significantly higher marginal profit (MP) per sheep than non-supplemented sheep (ETB 33 vs. 4). Likewise, anthelmintic treated sheep performed significantly better than their non-treated contemporaries (MP=ETB 28 vs. 8). The 75% Awassi crosses were least profitable.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / economics
  • Animal Feed
  • Animal Husbandry / economics
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology*
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Budgets
  • Ethiopia
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Fenbendazole / pharmacology*
  • Fenbendazole / therapeutic use
  • Genotype
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / economics*
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / genetics
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / prevention & control*
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / economics*
  • Sheep Diseases / genetics
  • Sheep Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Triclabendazole

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Triclabendazole
  • Fenbendazole