EVALUATION OF THE BLOOD COUNT, SERUM PROTEIN, ALBUMIN, EPG AND WEIGHT GAIN IN BRANGUS BRASIL CALVES UNDERGOING TWO PROTOCOLS OF ANTIHELMINTHIC TREATMENT.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasite infections correspond to one of the main problems found in bovine herds. This study evaluated the capacity of some antiparasitic drugs, analyzing weight gain and the their effectiveness through the assessment of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Forty female Brangus, age ranging from 10 to 12 months, and maintained on pasture, were divided in two groups of twenty animals each. Group 1 was treated with 3.5% Ivermectin associated with fluazurol, neocidol B40 and thiazoline, whereas in group 2 3.16% ivermectin was associated with cypermetrine. Blood, serum, and feces were collected, and animals were weighed at days 0, 90, and 120. Red blood cell counts, albumin and total protein determination, and EPG were accomplished. Antiparasitics were administered at day zero and 90. The fecal egg count (EPG) decreased owing to the use of antiparasitics, therefore resulting in increases of the means of weight, blood count, total protein and albumin in bovines of both groups. It was concluded that both antiparasitic protocols were efficient, the controlling of the parasitic load allowed the egg count per gram of feces (EPG) to decrease, as well as the increase in weight gain and hematological values of these animals.

KEY -WORDS: Bovine. Antihelminthic. EPG. Blood count. Weight gain.