[Studies on the modification of performance and metabolic processes in sheep through experimental Fasciola hepatica infections considering low infestation intensity].

Low experimental infections with Fasciola hepatica (8...17 flukes per animal) in sheep, 6...12 months old, caused less gain weight over a period of 22 weeks. Changes in the number of erythrocytes and in the Hb-concentration were not found. In contrast to the controls the infected sheep showed strong fluctuations in the number of lymphocytes. 3 weeks post infect. a significant eosinophilia was observed, which continued until the end of the investigation. With the beginning of the fourth week post infect. the values of serum albumin were lower, the values of gamma-globulin higher than those of the controls, but there was no statistical significance. The bromosulphalein-test for liver function was negative.