Abstract

ARECE, J  and  LOPEZ, Y. Validation of the FAMACHA^© method for detecting anemia in Cuban Pelibuey sheep. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2013, vol.36, n.4, pp. 479-484. ISSN 0864-0394.

During a period of three years, the reliability of the FAMACHA^© method in the identification of anemic animals as a result of parasite infestation by Haemonchus spp. was studied in a Pelibuey sheep flock of 75 dams. With a monthly frequency, the fecal egg count (FEC) and the hematocrit (PCV) were evaluated; and the body condition (BC) and color of the ocular mucosa (COM) were monitored through the FAMACHA^© color chart. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value for positive and negative animals were determined; as well as the agreement index (Kappa) to establish the agreement between COM and PCV. The correlation among the variables was also studied. It was proven that there is moderate agreement (0,25-0,31) between the identification of anemic animals and the color of the ocular mucosa through the FAMACHA^© chart. The reliability indicators showed discreet values and were related to the hematocrit value selected as gold standard (PCV d» 17 %). An inverse ratio was found (r = -0,437, p < 0,01) between the FEC and PCV. The FAMACHA^© method is concluded to constitute a useful and practical tool for the identification of anemic sheep dams as a consequence of a high infestation by Haemonchus spp.

Keywords : anemia; FAMACHA^©; Haemonchus; sheep.

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