Effects of giardiasis on production in a domestic ruminant (lamb) model.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of giardiasis on production and carcass quality, using growing lambs as a domestic ruminant model.


METHODS
Randomized block.


METHODS
Giardia-free lambs: 23 in infected group, 24 in control group.


METHODS
Six-week-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs were infected with Giardia trophozoites; control lambs received saline solution. Clinical signs of infection, body weight, and feed intake were determined for 10 weeks. Carcass weight and quality were determined at slaughter weight of 45 kg.


RESULTS
Giardia infection persisted from weeks 7 to 16. For 5 weeks after challenge exposure, abnormal feces were more frequently observed in infected lambs. Giardia infection was associated with a decrease in rate of weight gain and impairment in feed efficiency. Time to reach slaughter weight was extended in infected lambs, and the carcass weight of Giardia-infected lambs was lower than that of control lambs.


CONCLUSIONS
Giardiasis has a negative effect on domestic ruminant production.


CONCLUSIONS
Giardiasis in domestic ruminants is an economically important disease, thus necessitating control or elimination of the infection.
Olson
M E
ME
Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
McAllister
T A
TA
Deselliers
L
L
Morck
D W
DW
Cheng
K J
KJ
Buret
A G
AG
Ceri
H
H
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D012016:Reference Values; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases; D015430:Weight Gain