Educational

CAN PARASITE-RESISTANT SHEEP HELP THE WHOLE FLOCK?

One thing we’ve learned on our farm is that parasite management isn’t only about deworming and pasture rotation. Genetics can play an important role, too.

We originally incorporated Katahdin sheep into our Valais Blacknose breeding program as surrogate mothers for our embryos. Along the way, we discovered another benefit: they have been some of the hardiest and most parasite-resistant sheep on our farm.

When we have fecal egg counts done, our Katahdins consistently have extremely low parasite levels. We’ve also noticed that when they are kept with our Valais Blacknose sheep, we have had very few issues with parasite-related anemia.

So how could parasite-resistant sheep help?

Sheep pick up infective parasite larvae while grazing. Those parasites mature inside the sheep and produce eggs, which are passed in the manure back onto the pasture. Those eggs eventually develop into more infective larvae for sheep to consume.

That’s how the parasite cycle continues.

Parasite-resistant sheep can still pick up larvae, but their immune systems may be better able to control the infection. As a result, they can carry lower parasite burdens and potentially shed fewer parasite eggs back onto the pasture.

In simple terms: fewer eggs shed can mean less pasture contamination and potentially less parasite pressure on the flock.

That doesn’t mean Katahdins eliminate parasites or replace good management. Fecal testing, FAMACHA® scoring, good nutrition, pasture management, and selective deworming are still important.

But our experience has shown us why parasite-resistant genetics can be another valuable tool in flock management.

And as an added bonus, Katahdins are hair sheep, so there’s no shearing, and ours have required very little hoof trimming.

They originally came to our farm to be surrogate moms—but they’ve taught us a lot about the value of hardiness and parasite resistance.

Our farm experience is shared for educational purposes. Parasite resistance varies among individual animals, and parasite-control programs should be developed for the conditions on each farm.

Reni McNabb Melvin