Sheep Health

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 9, 2 August 1983, Page 11

Sheep Health

Many types of parasitic worms are becoming resistant to drenches and scientists are looking for alternative control methods. At Wallaceville worm resistance in sheep is being studied. Scientists have found some sheep are innately resistant and carry very low worm populations. Sheep 's intestinal mucus is different in resistant and susceptible sheep. The scientists don't yet know what it is in the mucus that makes some sheep resistant and work is now concentrating on isolating this material. The scientists hope that the cells producing the substance can be encouraged to produce more. * * * Scientists say controlling parasites in sheep through management using 'safe' pastures could be an effective method of control. A study programme looking at ways to reduce drenching §s begun. The researchers ^rope to put together a system of using safe pastures associated with anthelmintics to control parasites. * * * Wallaceville scientists are experimenting with bioerodible polymers to manfuacture capsules which will slowly dissolve in an animal's rumen while releasing a steady stream of trace elements or any required substance. They hope to produce a system of capsules which can release substances for predetermined periods ranging from a week to 6 months or more.