Abstract
The relationship between faecal nematode egg count and the number of adult Telordasagia circumcincta was examined in 508 naturally infected lambs at 6-7 months of age. The relationship was found to be convex and was empirically described by a gamma-type function of the form y = an(b) e(-cn), where n is the number of adult nematodes present and y is the number of nematode eggs per gramme (epg) of faeces. This equation predicted that the peak expected egg count (277 epg) would occur at a worm burden of 2167 adult worms. The absence of a linear relationship between egg counts and worm numbers is consistent with the existence of severe density-dependent constraints on the fecundity of T. circumcincta.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 435-440 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Parasitology |
Volume | 121 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2000 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Teladorsagia circumcincta
- nematode
- sheep
- fecundity
- density dependence
- OSTERTAGIA-CIRCUMCINCTA
- UNGULATE POPULATION
- INFECTION
- COUNTS
- LAMBS
- RESISTANCE
- FECUNDITY