October 2014
Building parasite resistance in small ruminants
New ATTRA publication focuses on animal selection
By Linda Coffey
Sheep & Goat Specialist
NCAT/ATTRA
A new ATTRA publication focuses on animal selection as an important part of the overall strategy in managing internal parasites, a major health problem in sheep and goats. The publication, Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Animal Selection, is available free online and as a printed publication for a small handling fee.
You can download a copy of Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Animal Selection and order print copies on the ATTRA website, www.attra.ncat.org. While you’re there, be sure to check out our other ATTRA publications, webinars, databases, toll-free producer hotline, and other resources for sustainable agriculture.
Internal parasites in sheep and goat herds are becoming more of a problem as these parasites become more resistant to traditional anthelmintics (dewormers). Meanwhile, research on internal parasites has shown that they are not distributed evenly in a herd or flock.
Producers must use many approaches to effectively manage the levels of internal parasites and protect the health of sheep and goats. This publication can help you determine which animals should be selected for breeding in order to improve resistance and resilience to the parasites
“As a sheep and goat producer myself, I have seen the impact of internal parasites on the health and productivity of our animals and on the bottom line for our farm business,” said Linda Coffey, a National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) agricultural specialist and the publication’s author. “Animal selection is the best long-term strategy for the survival of sheep and goat enterprises.
“The one-page assessment included in this publication will help producers integrate the wide variety of parasite management tools available and will be useful to educators as well.” “This publication is part of a series meant to extend the knowledge and research of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (www.acsrpc.org) out to
sheep and goat producers and provide them with practical solutions for managing internal parasites,” Coffey said.
Other ATTRA publications that are related to this topic include: Managing Internal Parasites in Sheep and Goats; Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Copper Wire Particles; Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Sericea Lespedeza; and Tools for Managing Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants: Pasture Management. These ATTRA publications are also featured on the Consortium website. See the “Parasite Management” button and look for specific topics. For example, the Animal Selection publication is listed under “Genetics”, along with other related materials.