Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Stacy A. Gartin
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify an effective internal parasite control for sheep managed under USDA's NOP. The case study involved the sheep flock of the WVU Organic Farming Systems Experiment over a period of 27 months, March 2001 to July 2003. A 3-day-duration/5-week-rest grazing regime was implemented to control internal parasites. The parasite burden was measured by fecal analysis (fecal egg counts). Prior to implementation of the prescribed grazing regime, parasite levels were moderate and comparable to conventionally managed flocks in the local area. After implementation of prescribed grazing regime, parasite levels were lowered to almost undetectable levels. Fecal egg counts remained low for 18 months. The data indicate parasite control may be possible with grazing management cognizant of parasitic life cycles. Parasite control methods such as these could possibly reduce synthetic anthelmintic resistance. Further experimental investigation should be conducted.
Recommended Citation
O'Doherty, Bernard James, "Impact of a grazing management regime as an internal parasite control in sheep managed under USDA's National Organic Program: A case study." (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10776.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10776