Effects of dung beetle activity on the number of nematode parasites acquired by grazing cattle. 1975

G T Fincher

Parasitized steers were used to contaminate 3 pastures containing dung beetle populations of different densities. Six parasite-free calves were then allowed to graze the pastures for 43 to 45 days. Two calves that grazed a pasture with dung beetle population rendered lower than normal by screening and trapping acquired 9 times more parasites than 2 calves that grazed a pasture which captured beetles were released. Two calves that grazed a pasture with a natural dung beetle population acquired 4 times more worms than the calves on pasture with the increased beetle population. The results indicated that the 2 major genera of nematodes present (Ostertagia and Cooperia) were significantly reduced in number by dung beetle activity.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009348 Nematoda A phylum of unsegmented helminths with fundamental bilateral symmetry and secondary triradiate symmetry of the oral and esophageal structures. Many species are parasites. Phasmidia,Secernentea,Sipunculida
D002417 Cattle Domesticated bovine animals of the genus Bos, usually kept on a farm or ranch and used for the production of meat or dairy products or for heavy labor. Beef Cow,Bos grunniens,Bos indicus,Bos indicus Cattle,Bos taurus,Cow,Cow, Domestic,Dairy Cow,Holstein Cow,Indicine Cattle,Taurine Cattle,Taurus Cattle,Yak,Zebu,Beef Cows,Bos indicus Cattles,Cattle, Bos indicus,Cattle, Indicine,Cattle, Taurine,Cattle, Taurus,Cattles, Bos indicus,Cattles, Indicine,Cattles, Taurine,Cattles, Taurus,Cow, Beef,Cow, Dairy,Cow, Holstein,Cows,Dairy Cows,Domestic Cow,Domestic Cows,Indicine Cattles,Taurine Cattles,Taurus Cattles,Yaks,Zebus
D006109 Poaceae A large family of narrow-leaved herbaceous grasses of the order Cyperales, subclass Commelinidae, class Liliopsida (monocotyledons). Food grains (EDIBLE GRAIN) come from members of this family. RHINITIS, ALLERGIC, SEASONAL can be induced by POLLEN of many of the grasses. Alopecurus,Arundo,Gramineae,Grasses,Imperata,Grass,Imperata cylindrica
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001517 Coleoptera Order of winged insects also known as beetles comprising over 350,000 species in 150 families. They possess hard bodies with mouthparts adapted for chewing. Beetles,Beetle

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