Intensive rotational grazing reduces nematode faecal egg counts in sheep on the Cicerone project

Abstract

The Cicerone Project consists of 3 farmlets each with management systems contrasting in inputs (levels of fertilisers and pastures) and grazing management. Farmlet A has high input, high stocking rate, with flexible grazing using the Prograze principles. Farmlet B has moderate input, moderate stocking rate with the same grazing management as Farmlet A. Farmlet C has moderate inputs and aims at high stocking density using intensive rotational grazing. This paper presents the results of analysis of nematode faecal egg counts (FEC) taken from ewes, hoggets and lambs for flock monitoring purposes over the last 4 years. There were significant (P<0.05) interactions between the effects of farmlet and date of sampling for all classes of stock with effects of farmlet dependent on date of sampling. In the early part of the monitoring period, there were no consistent effects of farmlet on FEC, but as grazing and pasture management began to take effect, FEC values for Farmlet C were consistently lower than for the other 2 farmlets. This is reflected in the FECs of lambs and hoggets in early 2003 where counts for Farmlets A and B were high, while Farmlet C FECs stayed very low (lambs: 2270, 1067, 85; hoggets: 670, 439, 115 eggs per gram, for Farmlets A, B and C, respectively). Farmlet A and B animals also had 2 more drenches than Farmlet C animals, yet Farmlet C sheep had consistently lower counts during 2003. The results suggest superior worm control on Farmlet C associated with high intensity, short duration grazing.