Pasture contamination levels by infective gastrointestinal nematode larvae in small ruminants

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Abstract

In this study, we aimed to quantify the levels of pasture contamination by third-stage larvae (L3) of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. Pasture samples comprising Panicum maximum grasses (cultivars Massai, Aruana, BRS Zuri, and Tamani) were collected over a 12-month period at the Sheep and Goat Production Unit of the Maracanã Campus of the Federal Institute of Maranhão in São Luís, Maranhão. Samples were collected at ground level, individually labeled, and placed in plastic bags. To recover the L3 larvae, the samples were initially immersed in a solution of water and neutral detergent in plastic containers for four hours and then transferred to a fresh solution for three additional hours. The grass was then removed, packed, and dried in an oven to determine dry matter content, and the remaining solution was allowed to settle for 24 h; the supernatant was then siphoned off, and the sediment was transferred to a conical sedimentation glass. Parasite densities ranged from 42 to 1,130 per collection, with Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp being the most prevalent, accounting for 50.31 % and 43.67 % of the total larvae recovered across all collection months, respectively. The highest larval counts coincided with the months of peak rainfall. Larval counts ranged from 74 to 2,749 L3/kg of dry matter. These findings are valuable for guiding management strategies aimed at controlling gastrointestinal nematodes.
Keywords: forage; helminths; goats; sheep; rainfall.

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2026-06-12

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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VETERINARY MEDICINE

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How to Cite

SOARES, S. et al. Pasture contamination levels by infective gastrointestinal nematode larvae in small ruminants. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 12 Jun.2026.

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