ENHANCING THE KATAHDIN - CODON RESULTS - QUANTIFYING PARASITE RESISTANT KATAHDINS

The Katahdin is "A Breed Whose Time Has Come". We believe the Katahdin is a "Work in Progress". This breed will be enhanced through continual improvement.

We use FAMACHA* and fecal egg counts to monitor internal parasites in our flock. We will continue to participate in the kNSIP fecal egg count study.

*FAMACHA was originally compiled by the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, the Worm Workshop of the South African Veterinary Association, and Intervet South Africa, with the support of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the National Wool Growers' Association and the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture in South Africa.

Modified by Dr. Ray M. Kaplan and Dr. James E. Miller within the framework of USDA SARE grant # LS02-143 to address use of FAMACHA in the United States

The FAMACHA process involves comparing the color of the lower membrane in the eye to the FAMACHA Anemia Guide. Results are recorded by animal ID.

The following scores are selected:

1 Optimal (no dose)
2 Acceptable (No dose)
3 Borderline (Dose ?)
4 Dangerous (Dose)
5 Fatal (Dose)

Codes 1 and 2 will continue in the control group. Code 3 lambs will be closely monitored. Any code 4 or 5 lambs will be put in the market lamb group.

FAMACHA should be implemented only by qualified users.

In a flock, FAMACHA is only a component of a good management program for Haemonchus and cannot be used on its own. Smart Drenching principles must still be used.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND SAMPLE EYE COLOR CHART

FAMACHA TRAINING WORKSHOPS