The production impact of ineffective gastrointestinal nematode control in Fijian small ruminant systems

Small ruminants (i.e. sheep and goats) have crucial economic and social importance in the Fijian society; however, domestic production is currently far from being able to support the local demand (Cowley et al. 2019). Ineffective control of gastrointestinal nematodes is identified, amongst others, as one of the main factors restricting higher production levels (Cowley et al. 2019). However, it is unknown the degree to which this factor is restricting productivity. Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism has been demonstrated to affect small ruminant production, reducing live weight gain, milk yield and wool growth. The degree to which parasitism affects production will vary according to each production system, but its quantification is essential in order to determine the impact and the economic return of control practices.