PASTURE CONTAMINATION WITH STRONGYLE EGGS ESTIMATED WITH COMPOSITE FAECAL EGG COUNTS IN GRAZING SHEEP: REPORT FROM A SMALL FLOCK

Production limits in grazing sheep and increase of antihelmintic resistance are caused by strongyle parasites found on pasture. The aim of this study was to estimate spring and autumn pasture contamination using composite faecal egg counts (FEC). Sheep from one small flock from Srbobran (South Bačka province) were sampled in spring and autumn 2011. Estimation of contamination intensity was expressed as average spring and autumn FEC. Our results showed high and moderate level of pasture egg contamination in the spring and autumn, respectively, found in that flock and that composite FEC can be used in this estimation. Hence the presence of high egg numbers alter the number of infective larvae on pasture, obtained results may help development of successful and sustainable parasite control programs in our region, both biological and commercial.