Do water shortages increase gastrointestinal nematode loads in Nguni does?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effects of water deprivation on the burden of gastrointestinal nematodes in Nguni does. METHODS: A survey was piloted on goat keepers in households where water was scarce (n = 143) and where it was available throughout the year (n = 142). In a controlled experiment, feed intake (ADFI), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, packed cell volume (PCV) and faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined in does deprived of water for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: There was a significant association between the frequency with which goats drink water and the distance from the water source. From the experiment, an increase in the water deprivation period decreased ADFI, BCS and PCV, and increased FAMACHA scores and faecal egg counts in Nguni goats. The BCS of goats deprived of water for 48 h was 12% lower than the control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in water supply increased gastrointestinal burdens in does, which may compromise their productivity and production efficiency. Depriving goats of water for 24 h had no significant effect on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) loads. The deprivation period of 48 h increased the GIN burden in does.