The effects of artificially-induced fly-strike on food intake and liveweight gain in sheep

Authors: Bishop DM, Tenquist JD, Heath ACG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 4, pp 50-52, Apr 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Diet/rations/food, Parasites - external, Growth/development, Nutrition/metabolism, Pest/pesticides
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: A single, artificially-induced fly-strike with Lucilia sericata larvae was associated with a rapid (decline in food intake in sheep, with a consequent reduction in liveweight. Loss of weight ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 kg over four to six days and recovery to pre-infestation liveweight took three to 36 days. Pair-fed, uninfested partners of these sheep also showed a reduction in liveweight, whereas uninfested sheep in some experiments fed ad libitum showed either little change or a gain in liveweight over the same period. In general, maggot infested sheep took less time to regain weight than did their pair-fed partners although the weight lost as a proportion of initial weight was similar in both groups. Loss of appetite alone would appear to account for these events.

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