Abstract :
This study is the first parasitological survey dealing with goats at a regional scale in northern
Italy. In particular, we characterized goat farms in Lombardy and investigated the risk
factors of parasite infections there. Within our study area, both the breeding system and
the size of the flocks varied. In fact, large flocks are mainly located down the valleys of
Alpine areas and in the Prealps at low altitudes, such animals are reared under intensive
husbandry. Medium-sized flocks are mostly found in mountainous areas where goats are
reared under extensive or semi-extensive systems. Autochthonous races, then, are important
in some marginal areas where a farm economy is supported by the promotion of
traditional goat products, e.g. typical cheese and meat derivatives. Significant factors associated
with the presence of parasites are (i) breeding system, extensive for Moniezia benedeni,
semi-extensive for Strongyloides; (ii) size of the farm, over 100 goats for Strongyloides; (iii)
altitude, above 500ma.s.l. and up to 1000ma.s.l. for M. benedeni and Strongylida; (iv) pasture,
Strongylida; (v) season, autumn for M. benedeni; (vi) separation of goats into groups,
(Skrjabinema). Goats in first lactation were significantly more infected with Strongylida and
Trichuris than multiparous ones (both p < 0.001). Eggs excretion of Strongyloides was higher
in pregnant females (p < 0.001). Differences emerged also for Nematodirus and Strongylida
when eggs excretion was related to pregnancy (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), but epg
values of these nematodes were significantly higher in not pregnant individuals. Heavier
infection with S. was found in lactating goats rather than in dry goats (p < 0.001), while
the latter ones were more infected with Trichuris and Strongyloides (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001,
respectively). In conclusion, according to the results of our survey, as to extensive husbandry
we highly recommend correct practices in pasture management associated with
a targeted programme of anthelminthic treatments for Stronylida and Cestoda. As to the
rearing of large flocks almost entirely indoor, we noted a higher presence of other parasites,
i.e. Strongyloides, probably due to a high density of heads associated with a scarce sanitary
management. Concerning, then, young goats in first lactation and lactating females our data
confirmed that they both are more vulnerable to the infection with Strongylida, while pregnant
females are more prone to the infection with Strongyloides spp. This can be partially
due to the synchronization of the reproductive cycle, as performed in most farms, and to
the occurrence of the period of pregnancy in winter, when the animals are stabled indoor
