Variation in response of Mubende, Boer and Boer x Mubende goat breeds to gastrointestinal nematode infection under field conditions in Uganda
Author(s): JW Magona, J Walubengo, G Musisi and DK Kakaire
Abstract: More productive exotic Boer goats are increasing replacing indigenous Mubende goats in Uganda in a crossbreeding program, yet Boer goats easily succumb to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection to which indigenous Mubende goats are more tolerant. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Ssembabule, Mpigi, Masaka and Mubende districts in Uganda to understand whether variation in susceptibility to GIN infection exists among Mubende, Boer and Boer x Mubende goats under field conditions. A total of 2423 goats, consisting of Mubende (n =1,667), Boer (n = 87) and Boer x Mubende (n = 669) goats were randomly sampled. Faecal Egg Count (FEC) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were determined and data on factors: gender, age, location, flock size and management were collected. The findings revealed that age and location had a significant (p<0.05) negative effect, while flock size had a significant (p<0.05) positive effect on FEC. In addition, age, location, and flock size had a significant (p<0.05) negative effects on PCV. Boer x Mubende goats had a highly significant (p<0.001) positive effect on FEC. While Mubende goats had a highly significant (p<0.001) negative effect and Boer had a significant (p<0.05) negative effect on FEC. In addition, Boer x Mubende had a significant (p<0.05) negative effect on PCV values. While Mubende had a significant (p<0.05) positive effect on PCV values. In conclusion, the findings suggested Boer x Mubende crosses were more susceptible to GIN infection than Mubende goats. Meanwhile, Boer x Mubende crosses and Mubende goats were less susceptible to GIN infection than Boer goats. Follow-up studies are recommended to confirm the level of susceptibility among Mubende, Boer and Boer x Mubende goats to GIN infection under experimental conditions.