The effect of sarcoptic mange on growth performance, leukocytes and lymphocyte proliferative responses in pigs

The effects of a single artificial infestation with sarcoptic mite ( Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis DeGeer) on weight gain and lymphocyte blastogenic responses were studied in untreated and fenvalerate-treated pigs. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed efficiency were monitored for 5 weeks in 32 infested and 16 uninfested pigs. Total and differential leukocyte counts were determined and lymphocyte proliferative responses, using a mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis assay, were evaluated in 24 pigs. Sarcoptic mite infestation or treatment for sarcoptic mange did not affect total or differential leukocyte counts ( P > 0.10). Differences were not observed in weight gain or lymphocyte blastogenic responses between infested and uninfested pigs.