Abstract

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.

KM, Henderson, A Weaver, RL Wards, S Lun, and KP McNatty

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 50, , 161-166, 1990