Objective: Study on haematological and biochemical parameters and pathologic changes in experimental infestation to Haemonchus contortus in sheep.
Design: Experimental study.
Animals: Fourteen lambs, 5-6 months old (Two as egg donors, eight for experimental infestation and four as control).
Method: For experimental infestation, eight lambs (5-6 months old) that had no worm infestation were selected and 50000 of thirdstage larvae of Haemonchus contortus were fed to each of them. Four other lambs (control group) received placebo. In order to study the development and clinicopathologic changes, daily stool and blood samples were taken, weight was recorded, lambs were examined for clinical symptoms and slaughtered on days 12,21,35 and 60 post infestation (PT). Abomasal pH was meseared and microscopic sections were prepared.
Statistical analysis: Results were analysed by ANOVA, Duncan and “t” test.
Results: No clinical symptoms were found in the animals during this study however the body weight, monitored during 60 days P1 indicate a difference between live weight in the treatments. Statistically significant differences were observed in haemoglobulin, concentration, haematocrit, white blood cells count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, total protein, albumine, alpha globulins, and calcium between control and infested groups (P<0.05). Both infested and control groups had no differences in serum phosphorous, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, beta globulins and gama globulins levels (P<0.05).
The comparison between infested and control sheep abomasal pH showed an increased pH in affected sheep. Abomasal necropsy findings were inflammation associated with mononuclear cells and eosinophilia. Lymphoblastic and follicular inflammation were seen in micrspcopic study.
Conclusion: Infestation to Haemonchus contortus were causes
remarkable changes in haematological and biochemical parameters.
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