A field trial of production and financial consequences of helminthosis control in sheep production in Ethiopia

We used a partial-budget analysis to evaluate profitability of different management strategies of three Genotypes of sheep in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment conducted at Debre Berhan research station in the central highlands of Ethiopia. This involved two anthelmintic-treatment levels (treated vs. non-treated), two supplementary nutrition levels (protein-energy supplementation yes/no) and three genotypes: indigenous Menz (n = 40), 50% Awassi x 50% Menz crosses (n = 38) and 75% Awassi x 25% Menz crosses (n = 3 1). All sheep were exposed to natural sub-clinical helminthosis challenge. Supplemented sheep were offered a concentrate mix daily on an individual basis. Anthelmintic-treated sheep were drenched with fenbendazole against nematodes and with triclabendazole against trematodes. Data were collected during the experimental period (for 10 months from similar to 1 year of age) on feed intake, live weight, eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, packed-cell volume (PCV), wool weight, and adult-worm burden. Actual market input and output prices were recorded. Supplemented sheep had significantly higher marginal profit (MP) per sheep than nonsupplemented sheep (ETB1 33 vs. 4). Likewise, anthelmintic treated sheep performed significantly better than their non-treated contemporaries (NIP = ETB 28 vs. 8). The 75% Awassi crosses were least profitable. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.