Development of a reliable infection model for 'Ascaridia galli' in laying hens

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract can have a negative impact on the health, welfare and productivity of laying hens (Gauly et al., 2007). A survey focusing on free-range layer farms in Australia suggested that the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Australian production systems is comparable to other developed countries (Singh et al., 2014 unpublished data). While there are methods for controlling internal parasites in commercial egg producing birds including the use of anthelmintics and targeted management procedures, the optimal use of such approaches requires the development of reliable monitoring systems and an awareness of the critical infection threshold at which interventions are required. This study was conducted to establish a reliable infection model that can then be used to develop and validate monitoring and treatment guidelines for free-range egg producers. A total of 20 Lohmann brown laying hens were assigned to 4 treatment groups (n=5 per group) infected with 'A. galli' eggs or in one group, adult worms.