Is there a morning-evening difference in egg production of bloodworms, strongyle parasites of equines?
To test a claim that counts of the eggs of large strongyles or bloodworms, parasites of equines, are greater in morning fecal samples than in those from later in the day, and therefore, may be indicators of circadian variations in these worms, samples from one pony and nine horses were analyzed for strongyle eggs. Samples were collected twice per day, about 7:30 and again about 19:30, during two, 24-day periods. Individual counts varied from 0 to 1184. The mean of all 7:30 counts was 212.52; that of 19:30 counts was 236.03. The difference is not significant, and does not support the idea of circadian differences in egg production of these nematodes.
Bennett
M F
MF
Department of Biology, Colby College, Waterville, Maine 04901.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D013319:Strongyle Infections, Equine / Q000469:parasitology*; D013323:Strongylus