A simulation model to investigate interactions between first season grazing calves and Ostertagia ostertagi.

ABSTRACT: A dynamic, deterministic model was developed to investigate the consequences of parasitism with Ostertagia ostertagi, the most prevalent and economically important gastrointestinal parasite of cattle in temperate regions. Interactions between host and parasite were considered to predict the level of parasitism and performance of an infected calf. Key model inputs included calf intrinsic growth rate, feed quality and mode and level of infection. The effects of these varied inputs were simulated on a daily basis for key parasitological (worm burden, total egg output and faecal egg count) and performance outputs (feed intake and bodyweight) over a 6 month grazing period. Data from published literature were used to parameterise the model and its sensitivity was tested for uncertain parameters

SUBMITTER: Berk Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4990062 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature