Evaluation of conventional and strategic worm management schemes in sheep flocks of semi-arid Rajasthan

Abstract

A comparison of parasitological status and economic benefit derived from 2 schemes of worm management in naturally infected sheep flocks was made in semi-arid Rajasthan. During the period from June 2004 to March 2011, sheep (8061) were monitored for productive performance and evaluated for gastrointestinal strongyles by examining 25172 faecal samples. The monthly incidence and intensity of strongyle nematodes remained almost similar among flocks given either strategic (1 drench/annum) or conventional (3 drenches/annum) anthelmintic treatment. The epidemiological profile exhibited higher magnitude of infection only during monsoon (July-October). The comparative economic evaluation showed that reduction in anthelmintic frequency in strategic scheme as against conventional scheme had no adverse effect on flock performance and yields better financial return to farmers. The result reflected the value and success of single drench schedule (strategic scheme) for the effective management of predominant gastrointestinal nematodes in field flocks of semi-arid Rajasthan which is based on relevant epidemiological information.