Gastrointestinal nematode infection affects overall activity in young sheep monitored with tri-axial accelerometers.

Veterinary Parasitology
Seer J IkuriorStephan T Leu

Abstract

Animals suffering from parasitism typically display altered grazing behaviour and a voluntary reduction in feed intake. These changes are potentially important as indicators of disease. Recent advances in sensor technologies provide the opportunity to objectively measure animal activity while on pasture. Tri-axial accelerometers measure body movement in terms of acceleration, which can then be used to estimate physical activity over time. This study investigated if tri-axial measures of overall activity can be used to assess the impact of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in young sheep. To address this, the overall activity, faecal nematode egg count (FEC) and body weight of two treatment groups of Romney X Suffolk ram lambs were compared. Animals were monitored for four days using tri-axial accelerometer sensors mounted on a ram mating harness after 42-days grazing on contaminated pasture. On Day 0, all lambs were given anthelmintics. Subsequently, a Suppressive Treatment Group (n = 12) was treated with anthelmintics every two weeks. An Untreated Group (n = 12) did not receive further anthelmintics. Overall activity levels were monitored from Day 42 - 46. Activity level was calculated as vectorial dynamic body acceler...Continue Reading

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.