Evaluation of Pakistani goat breeds for genetic resistance to Haemonchus contortus

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic resistance of Pakistani goat breeds (Beetal, Teddy, Angora, Nachi) against Haemonchus contortus. In total, 13 animals of each breed, irrespective of sex, were selected. Following artificial infection with 5000 L3 (third stage) larvae of Haemonchus contortus to each animal, susceptibility and resistance of each breed was then assessed on the basis of body weight, feacal egg counts, packed cell volume and FAMACHA system on days 0, 28, 35, and 42. Variation in response of all goat breeds to H. contortus was observed. Better resistance was observed in Teddy and Beetal breeds (P < 0.05) followed by Nachi and Angora breeds. Genetic diversity was noted among these four goat breeds which could be explored further to minimize the use of anthelmintics and to exploit the genetic potential of the different goat breeds.