Interactions between parasitism and milk production - Mastitis in sheep

Abstract

The present review discusses interactions and focuses in the direct effects of parasites in production of milk and development of mastitis in ewes. In most relevant published studies, a clear reduction in milk yield of ewes affected with parasites has been recorded. This reduction in milk yield has been quantified to average 22% among the relevant studies. Nematode parasitism can also cause shorter persistency of lactation, whilst the situation regarding potential effects on milk composition is not clear. Moreover, in field and experimental studies trichostrongylid intestinal infections have been documented to increase risk of mastitis in affected ewes; among parasitic species, the effect was associated primarily with Teladorsagia spp. infection. Trematode infection has also been found to increase risk for mastitis development at the early stage of lactation period. Research supports that effective parasite control will enable sheep to fully express their genetic potential and benefit for increased milk yield and effective udder health management schemes. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.