Relation of Feeding Level to Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasitism in Cattle

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Abstract
Four experiments were performed to determine whether calves fed a qualitatively adequate diet at approximately a normal level would be less susceptible to infection with gastrointestinal nematode parasites than calves fed at close to a subsistence level, and to what extent those on the normal level could better withstand and counteract the effects of the infection. Three different diets and a total of 33 calves were used. Comparable parasite-free calves were placed on each feeding level for an average of 6 weeks. Then the test calves were simultaneously inoculated with equal aliquots of infective larvae of one or several species. The number administered varied from 116, 000 to 523, 000 per calf in the different experiments. For all experiments combined, the uninfected calves on the high feeding level outgained those on the low level by 11. 5 lb/100 lb of TDN (total digestible nutrients) consumed. The parasitized calves on the high and low feeding levels converted their feed less efficiently than their controls by 9. 2 and 12. 2 lb/100 lb of TDN consumed, respectively. The infected calves on the high feeding level outgained those on the low level by 11. 8 lb/100 lb of TDN consumed. Moderate infection reduced efficiency of feed conversion more than mild infection. As indicated by the egg counts and worm burdens at necropsy, feeding level did not appear to affect establishment of worms.

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