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Relationship between Coccidiosis Infection and Hematological Profile, Body Weight and Famacha Scores in Dorper Sheep

Nurzaty Ewani, A.H., Ariff¹*, O.M., Sani², R.A. and Rasedee³, A.

¹Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences,
²Department of Veterinary Pathology & Microbiology,
³Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2014 17(1): 103-110

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Imported Dorper sheep raised in the Tropics are subjected to endo-parasitic infestation which may affect their morbidity and total productivity in lamb production. Few reports are available to provide guidelines in the efficient husbandry of these sheep, especially those raised in this country. A study was conducted to examine the association between hematological parameters, body weight and Famacha scores and coccidia infection from Eimeria spp. in Dorper lambs managed in an oil palm holding in Lepar, Pahang. Fresh faecal samples of purebred Dorper (n=20) and crossbred Dorper-Damara (n=20) lambs aged 2 to 3 mo were taken twice at 7-day interval for assessment of coccidial infestation as measured by number of oocysts per g of faeces (OPG). Blood samples were collected for hematological profile. The mucosa colour of the eyes of the sheep was scored using the Famacha chart. Eimeria oocysts were present in all purebred and 90% of crossbred Dorper lambs. The frequency of Eimeria species identified were E. parva (31%), E. marsica (18%), E. weybridgensis (17%), E. pallida (12%), E. bakuensis (11%), E. faurei (5%), E. ahsata (4%) and E. granulosa (2%). OPG and body weight showed no significant difference between breed groups. Significant correlation between body weight and OPG (r = -0.49, P<0.01) was detected. The severity of coccidiosis as measured by OPG when classified as low-medium, high and very high showed a significant correlation (r=0.48, P<0.01) with FAMACHA score. Packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma protein (PP) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between breed groups. However, significant differences between breed groups for electrolyte parameters (Na, K and Cl, P<0.05) were found. In conclusion, purebred and crossbred Dorper lambs do not show significant difference in pre-weaning body weight, PCV and PP levels while coccidiosis appears to affect body weight, Famacha scores and electrolyte levels.