Population dynamics of gastro intestinal infective larvae in small ruminants in humid tropical environment. Consequence on pasture management

Abstract

The main data on infective third stage larvae of parasite nematodes of small ruminants in French West Indies are reported. The main events is a dramatic rise of the L3 population size on herbage, 9 to 13 days after faeces deposition. Water as rainfall or irrigation promote the L3 development. A model of L3 population size on herbage is described and used to compute the risk of parasitic infestation under different grassland managements. Pasture practices are therefore recommended. The intensive systems based on irrigation, high fertilization and high livestock rate induce very important risk of parasitic infestation.