Parasitic vaccines and wool quality in sheep from the province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17219578Keywords:
fleece, gastrointestinal parasites, parasitic antigens, sheep farmingAbstract
Introduction: Gastrointestinal parasitosis is a significant problem in sheep farming, making control strategies vital to minimize its impact and the growing resistance to antiparasitic drugs. Objective: To evaluate parasitic vaccines for Haemonchus spp.; Strongylus spp.; Cooperia spp., in sheep from the Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador, as a tool to improve local wool production. Method: This research was conducted in the Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador. A total of 160 sheep aged between 6 months and 7 years were analyzed. Parasitic species (Haemonchus spp.; Strongylus spp.; Cooperia spp.) were identified by coprological analysis. Vaccines (parasitic antigens) based on adult parasites were prepared and administered. The evaluation of wool quality and its relationship with the vaccines administered considered the physical indicators Mean Fiber Diameter, Staple Length, Fleece Crimp, and Breaking Point. Results: The results revealed statistically significant improvements in fineness, length, crimp, density, and strength, particularly for the Haemonchus vaccine, reflecting a significant advance in wool productivity and quality. The result was less significant for those inoculated with Cooperia, and the response to Strongylus was less effective. Conclusion: Parasitic vaccines are an important tool for health control, the prevention of these parasitic diseases, and the improvement of bioproductive indicators. The improvement in wool physical parameters was evident with the Haemonchus spp. vaccine, highlighting its potential to support more sustainable sheep farming practices.
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