Rapid Rotational Grazing to Control Endoparasites

News source: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources
Research and Development
For further information, contact the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Metro Manila, Philippines. Email: itdi@pacific.net, 2003-01-01

Internal Parasites Damage Goat Production

ONE of the major problems in goat raising is internal parasites. Anthelmintics are effective in controlling parasites but they are expensive. Besides, animals develop resistance in prolonged use.

Rapid Rotational Grazing to Reduce Infestation

Researchers, therefore, considered rapid rotational grazing as an effective alternative to total dependence on anthelmintics in controlling internal parasites in goats. The study determined and compared changes in weight, packed cell volume (PCV), and fecal egg count (FEC) among animals exposed to Rapid Rotational Grazing (RRG) and the Set Stock (SS) group.

Animals in the RRG group were allowed to graze rotationally on a 2-ha area, subdivided into ten paddocks. The grazing period was 3.5 days on each paddock. On the other hand, animals in the SS group were allowed to have free access to a 2-ha fenced pasture area.

Effect of Rapid Rotational Grazing

The following are significant findings of the study:

• Animals in the RRG treatment had lower and more tolerable nematodal infection based on fecal egg count when compared to the SS group.
• Packed cell volume (PCV) of the animals was higher in the RRG group. This means that there was lower loss of blood due to lower internal parasitism.
• Frequency of deworming was reduced six times with RRG.
• Pasture quality under RRG was maintained and better utilized because overgrazing was minimized.

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