Clinicopathological Study in Sudanese Sheep and Goat Infested by External Parasite

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate clinical signs and lesions, hematological profile, serum copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), total protein and albumin concentrations of sheep and goats with lice and ticks infestations. Twenty sheep and goats (2 to 4 years of age) were used. Fourteen animals were from infested (positive) group and six from non infested (negative) group. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein. Blood was placed into EDTA tubes for hematological examinations. Serum was isolated for other serobiochemical analysis. Cu and Fe were determined by analytical methods for atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total protein and albumin were measured by an enzymatic method using commercial kits and spectrophotometer. Clinical signs and lesions were observed and recorded. The clinical signs of the affected animals were multiple. These included scratching, in extreme cases, affected animals rubbed on any solid object, decreased feed intake, decreased weight gains and milk production, paleness of mucus membranes. The skin showed rough coat, varying degrees of hair loss, scaling, thickening and wrinkling. The present study revealed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and total leukocytic count (WBCs) between infested)

and non infested sheep and goats. However there was significant difference (P<0.05) in total erythrocytic count in infested animals (8.4±2.5 × 106 mm3 when compared to none infested animals (10 ± 1.8 × 106 mm3). The serobiochemical result showed that the mean value of serum Cu concentration was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in the positive group (0.13±0.04 mg/ml) as compared to the negative group (0.42±0.05 mg/ml). The mean value of serum Fe concentration was significantly (P<0.01) decreased in the positive group (57.86±2.17mg/ml) as compared to the negative group (77.50±2.495mg/ml). The mean value of serum total protein, albumin and globulins concentrations were significantly (P<0.01) decreased in the positive group (5.7±0.20, 2.71±0.13, 2.89±0.28 g/dl respectively) as compared to the negative group (7.79±0.23, 3.48±0.33, 4.310±0.18 g/dl respectively). The result showed that infestation of lice and ticks adversely affect sheep and goat health.