Methods and intensities of grazing in parasite load of lambs

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rye grassfield management (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) on parasite reinfection of lambs. Two grazing intensities (moderate and low) and two grazing methods (continuous and rotational stocking) were used, in total of 113 days. Experimental design included factorial arrangement (2 x 2 x 4 replicates), in a complete randomized block. There was no interaction between methods and intensities of grazing, and therefore, their effects were analized separately. Continuous grazing methods had higher incidence of L3 parasites larvae in the field, but lower parasite load in each animal. There was no significat difference between grazing intensities and number of L3 larvae in the fields, or level of parasite loads. These results showed that under continuous stocking the lambs had a better opportunity to select the grazing place, which probably resulted in a lower intake of larvae.