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Parasites & vectors2014; 7; 48; doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-48

The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys.

Abstract: The level of anthelmintic resistance within some cyathostomin parasite populations has increased to the level where sole reliance on anthelmintic-based control protocols is not possible. Management-based nematode control methods, including removal of faeces from pasture, are widely recommended for use in association with a reduction in anthelmintic use to reduce selection pressure for drug resistance; however, very little work has been performed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of such methods. Methods: We analysed data obtained from 345 donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary (Devon, UK), managed under three different pasture management techniques, to investigate the effectiveness of faeces removal in strongyle control in equids. The management groups were as follows: no removal of faeces from pasture, manual, twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture and automatic, twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture (using a mechanical pasture sweeper). From turn-out onto pasture in May, monthly faecal egg counts were obtained for each donkey and the dataset subjected to an auto regressive moving average model. Results: There was little to no difference in faecal egg counts between the two methods of faecal removal; both resulted in significantly improved cyathostomin control compared to the results obtained from the donkeys that grazed pasture from which there was no faecal removal. Conclusions: This study represents a valuable and unique assessment of the effectiveness of the removal of equine faeces from pasture, and provides an evidence base from which to advocate twice-weekly removal of faeces from pasture as an adjunct for equid nematode control. Widespread adoption of this practice could substantially reduce anthelmintic usage, and hence reduce selection pressure for nematode resistance to the currently effective anthelmintic products.
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Publication Date: 2014-01-24 PubMed ID: 24460700PubMed Central: PMC3904009DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-48Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research evaluates the impact of different fecal removal processes on controlling cyathostomin parasites in donkeys. It found that manual twice-weekly and automatic twice-weekly fecal removal from pastures effectively reduced the parasite burden compared to no removal, potentially reducing the need for drug treatments.

Methodology

  • The study analysed data from 345 donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, UK. The donkeys were divided into three groups, each maintained under different pasture management techniques.
  • The first group’s pasture had no removal of faeces, the second group had manual, twice-weekly removal of faeces, and the third group had automatic, twice-weekly removal of faeces using a mechanical sweeper.
  • Starting in May, the researchers performed monthly faecal egg count tests for each donkey to assess the presence and amount of cyathostomin.
  • The dataset was then subjected to an auto regressive moving average model for detailed analysis.

Results

  • The findings revealed negligible differences between the effect of manual and automatic methods of faecal removal on the frequency of cyathostomin in donkeys.
  • The major conclusion was that both removal methods resulted in much better cyathostomin control when compared to no faeces removal scenarios.

Conclusion & Recommendations

  • The research provides valuable quantitative assessment of the efficacy of faecal removal from paddocks for managing nematode parasites in equines.
  • It supports the recommendation for twice-weekly faecal removal to aid in controlling these parasites.
  • The adoption of this practice could reduce reliance and overuse of anthelmintic drugs, thereby reducing the selection pressure for nematode resistance to these drugs.

Cite This Article

APA
Corbett CJ, Love S, Moore A, Burden FA, Matthews JB, Denwood MJ. (2014). The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys. Parasit Vectors, 7, 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-3305-7-48

Publication

Parasites & vectors
ISSN: 1756-3305
NlmUniqueID: 101462774
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 7
Pages: 48

Researcher Affiliations

Corbett, Christopher J
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK. c.corbett.1@research.gla.ac.uk.
Love, Sandy
    Moore, Anna
      Burden, Faith A
        Matthews, Jacqui B
          Denwood, Matthew J

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
            • Equidae / parasitology
            • Female
            • Male
            • Nematoda / drug effects
            • Nematode Infections / prevention & control
            • Nematode Infections / veterinary

            Grant Funding

            • 095831 / Wellcome Trust

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