Immune and haematological parameters of Blackbelly ewes infected with gastrointestinal nematodes¤ Parámetros inmunológicos y hematológicos en ovejas Blackbelly infectadas con nematodos gastrointestinales Parâmetros imunes e hematológicos de ovelhas Blackbelly infectadas por nematoides gastrintestinais

Background: It is necessary to identify phenotypic traits related to natural resistance against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in order to know the host immunity status in productive ewes. Objetive: To determine haematological and immunological parameters (IgA and IgG) during pregnancy and lactation in Blackbelly ewes naturally infected with GIN. Methods: The number of eggs per gram (EPG), packed cell volume (% PCV), plasmatic protein (PP), and peripheral eosinophils were determined during eight months. In addition, sera and saliva samples were collected to establish IgG and IgA kinetics by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The results showed 2,592 ± 2,403 EPG and 22.2 ± 4.0% PCV during lactation and 595 ± 901 EPG and 25.1 ± 2.5% PCV during pregnancy. A higher percentage of Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae were observed in pregnancy (84 to100%) than in lactation (36 to 44%). The IgA activity in serum samples showed a marked reduction (from 80 to 10%) during lambing for both Haemonchus contortus and T. colubriformis antigens. In saliva samples, IgA activity with regard to the standard decreased from 56% at 60 ¤ To cite this article: González R, López ME, Conde MM, Mendoza P, Aguilar L, Jaso G. Immune and haematological parameters of Blackbelly ewes infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2017; 30:219-230. * Corresponding author: Roberto González Garduño. Unidad Regional Universitaria Sursureste, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Km 7.5 Carr. Teapa-Vicente Guerrero. Teapa, Tabasco, México. CP 86800. E-mail: [email protected]