VARIABILITY OF RESISTANCE TO NATURAL HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS INFECTION VIS-A-VIS HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN GAROLE SHEEP

A total 103 numbers of Garole sheep was evaluated to know the variability in resistant status against natural infection to Haemonchus contortus as well as variability in level of haematological and biochemical parameters. A significantly (P < 0.01) lower level of EPG, neutrophil and serum alkaline phosphatase enzyme, but significantly (P < 0.01) higher level of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte, serum total protein, serum albumin and serum globulin were recorded in resistant animals as compared to less susceptible and highly susceptible animals. Further a highly significant (P < 0.01) and negative relationship were observed for EPG with haemoglobin, PCV, TLC, lymphocyte, STP, SA and SG. Whereas a highly significant (P < 0.01) and positive relationship were observed for EPG with neutrophil count and SAP enzyme level. Significant variations as observed in the present study can be attributed to differences in FEC among the animals and these haematological as well as biochemical parameters can be used as a predictive marker for selection of H. contortus resistant Garole sheep in field condition in combating nematode infection which in turn results in efficient production.