A comparison between the effects of conventional and selective antiparasitic treatments on nematode parasites of horses from two management schemes.

This research examined the different types of nematode parasites in horses in South Africa, comparing two groups with different management practices, and the effects of traditional and selective antiparasitic treatments.

Background and Purpose of the Research

• The study aimed at bridging the gap in information regarding the existence of nematode parasites in horses in South Africa, and at filling the scarcity of comparable studies in horses from different management schemes.
• Focus was given to nematode parasites in two different groups of horses – Group 1 consisted of Nooitgedacht adult ponies which were in cycle or early pregnancy, and Group 2 mainly made up of Thoroughbred adults. These two groups were further categorised into conventional and selective subgroups, based on the frequency and method of antiparasitic treatment they received.

Methodology

• Horses in the first group were fed on zero grazing with regular supplemental feed (feed supplements), whereas the second group grazed on irrigated pastures. Both groups were treated with antiparasitic remedies, although at different frequencies – four times a year for Group 1, and twice a year for Group 2.
• The study used a combination of conventional and selective treatments within both groups. Conventional subgroups of horses received antiparasitic treatment as per their requisite management scheme, while selective subgroups were provided treatment only when a certain threshold (300 nematode eggs per gram of faeces) was surpassed.
• Monthly faecal samples were analysed for nematode egg counts and larval cultures to assess the levels of nematode infestations in each horse subgroup.

Findings

• The primary nematode parasites identified were Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides, and a majority of strongyles.
• The larval cultures enabled differentiation between cyathostomes (or small strongyles) and Strongylus spp.
• While foal faecal samples were tested for coccidian parasites, all results came out negative.
• Statistical analyses were performed on the mean total nematode egg count across conventional and selective subgroups within each group of horses.

Conclusion

• Although the abstract is truncated, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of nematode parasites in horses under different management schemes and antiparasitic treatments, with collected data highlighting the need for targeted parasite control methods.