Association between fecal egg count and weight gain in young beef cattle

摘要: Abstract Gastrointestinal helminths are a problem in the production of ruminants, parasitized animals show delayed growth. The present study evaluated association between fecal egg count (FEC), done using modified McMaster technique, and weight gain 41,837 naturally infected male female Nellore crossbred beef cattle — three categories: nursing calves, weaned calves with supplementary protein diet without over 30-day period during rainy season. Cooperia (64.5%) was most frequent genus parasitizing animals. A reduction occurred for when eggs per gram (EPG) ≥ 500 to 2,750 (-5.5 -12.9 kg, respectively), comparison FEC = 0. non-supplemented EPG 12.5 3,550 (-1.6 -7.1 kg, respectively) In contrast, approximately 15 kg supplemented 1,700. negative correlation found (R² = 0.7565; r = - 0.8698; P = 0.0001) value (R² = 0.7564; 0.87; P = 0.0023). There also correlation, but not very strong, (R² = 0.4493; 0.6703; P = 0.0122), whereas these two variables were positively correlated protein-supplemented (R² = 0.7229; r = 0.85; P = 0.0036). Moreover, exhibited greater compared equal zero. However, challenged gastrointestinal strongyles, proved be more resilient than Protein supplementation could help maintain resilience yearling females affected by helminth parasitism.