ASSOCIATION OF PHYTOMINERAL WITH GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF GRAZING SHEEP IN SIALKOT DISTRICT, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN.

PAKISTAN; PUNJAB

The present study is based on idea of mineral supplementation in grazing animals through selected fodder which can indirectly reduce the threats of infections particularly of parasitic origin. To this end, correlation analysis of the trace elements including: copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was done among feedstuffs, soils and grazing sheep. Moreover, the mineral analysis was compared to the gastrointestinal (GI) parasites during spring 2015 in grazing sheep of Sialkot district, Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of GI parasite species identified was 32.81%. A significant (P < 0.05) variation in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn and Co was recorded in a total of eight collected forages. However, their levels in soils vary insignificantly. The results of present study indicated that, the burden of GI parasites was lower in animals having high level of Zn and Cu in sera. The trace element-rich forages (Cichorium intybus and Cynodon dactylon) preferably Zn and Cu found effective against parasitic infection, are advisable supplemental remedies to improve the trace element profile in grazing sheep. This mitigation strategy may ultimately improve the resilience against GI parasitic infections especially in the resource-poor countries like Pakistan. However, control studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of trace elements against GI parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]