Importance du parasitisme par des strongles gastro-intestinaux chez les chèvres laitières dans le sud-est de la France

Abstract

Parasitological and pathophysiological measurements were performed monthly in a flock of 120 grazing dairy goats surveyed for 2 years in the south-east of France. The study provided additional information on the epidemiology of trichostrongylosis of the digestive tract in dairy goats. It was also aimed at assessing the role of various factors on the level of nematode infections and their consequences on milk production. The parasite infection was not influenced by the mode of pasture grazing (rotational vs continuous). In contrast, several host factors were identified which modulate the development of parasitism. In the first grazing season, goats, and particularly those in first lactation, excreted more nematode eggs and hence contributed largely to pasture contamination. In addition, the goats within the flock with the highest level of milk production were more severely infected. They were also more susceptible to the impact of parasitism on milk yield. The relevancy of the identification of these animals within a flock as a major epidemiological risk for nematode infection is discussed in relation with a possible targeted application of anthelmintic treatments.