Effects of concurrent subclinical infections by coccidia (Eimeria christenseni) and intestinal nematodes (Trichostrongylus colubriformis) on apparent nutrient digestibilities and balances, serum copper and zinc, and bone mineralization in the pigmy goat.

Subclinical infections by the intestinal nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis were established in 7 pigmy goats by inoculating each with 4,000 infective larvae 5 days/week for 18 weeks. At the start of the 14th week, 3 of the goats were orally inoculated daily with 10,000 sporulated oocytes of the coccidium Eimeria christenseni for 6 days, producing subclinical infections. During selected weeks, the goats were placed in metabolism cages to monitor feed consumption and collect orts, feces, and urine. Samples of rib, vertebra, and tibia were removed at time of death, on day 126. The superimposition of the coccidial infections on the nematode infections did not affect apparent ash, nitrogen, organic matter, or dry matter digestibilities; balances of nitrogen or phosphorus; serum copper or zinc concentrations; liveweights or feed conversion efficiencies. Mean calcium balances remained positive, although they were reduced during the first week of the superimposed coccidial infections. The mineralization of the matrix of the tibia and 4th lumbar vertebra was less in the goats with the superimposed coccidial infections than in those infected only with nematodes. Presence of the superimposed infections was associated with a decrease in the mean moisture and lipid contents of the tibia.