Some possible effects of dung beetle activity on the infestation of pastures by intestinal worm larvae of cattle.

Abstract

The influence of dung beetles on the viability and availability on pasture of infective larvae of gastro-intestinal nematodes of cattle is discussed. It is concluded that dung beetles are able to reduce larval contamination by about one half under certain climatic conditions and that, while great benefits cannot be claimed for worm control in the presence of beetles, at least they are not likely to aggravate the worm situation.<new para>ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:<new para>The possible effects of dung-beetle [Coprid] activity on the eggs of helminth intestinal parasites of cattle, both directly and as a result of altering the conditions within the dung pat and their burying activities, are discussed, and experiments to investigate the effects [cf. RAE/B 61, 2199] are reviewed.

Key words

• animal parasitic nematodes
• cattle dung
• control
• dung beetles
• ecology
• epidemiology
• helminth larvae
• helminthoses
• helminths
• infections
• nematode infections
• nematode larvae
• parasites
• parasitoses
• pastures