The sheep's immune response to nematode parasites and prospects
for its exploitation
P.G.C. Douch
MAF Technology, Wallaceville Animal Research Centre, P.O. Box
40063, Upper Hutt
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1990, 50: 229-236
The immune response of sheep to nematode parasites involves a
cascade of events beginning with the recognition of nematode antigen,
followed by stimulation of the immune system to elicit the appropriate
cellular response at the gut mucosa and finally the release of products
which promote the elimination of the parasite from the gut. These
processes are examined and deficiencies in the knowledge are
highlighted. The application of the knowledge of the sheeps' immune
system to the identification of a marker for resistance and
opportunities for the control of nematodes through manipulation of
sheeps' responsiveness are discussed.
The progress that has been achieved in the experimental breeding of
sheep for nematode resistance is examined. The use of such valuable
scientific resource flocks for studies which advance the understanding
of the immunology of resistance is discussed.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Sheep; nematodes; resistance; resilience; immunity; immunology;
markers; unresponsiveness
Download abstract in text format
Last Updated 25-01-1997
