Deployment of a herd health package increases production traits and reduces parasite load and disease incidence in sheep and goats in Mali

Small ruminant production plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods and food security in Mali but is constrained by infectious diseases, parasitic infections, poor nutrition, and limited preventive healthcare. This study evaluated the effect of implementing a herd health package on the productivity, parasite load, and disease incidence in small ruminant herds in the Farakala commune, Sikasso region, Mali. This package included regular, targeted deworming campaigns, vaccination against Peste des Petits Ruminants, and training for livestock farmers on best practices regarding feeding, hygiene, housing, and reproduction in small ruminants. A total of 120 growing sheep and goats (2–6 months old) were monitoredfor 1 year (October 2023–September 2024) over 24 herds divided into test (with package) and control (without package) groups. Data on weight gain, herd growth rate, reproductive performance, and occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites were monitored. We used the linear model and the generalized linear model to check if response variables had a significant effect on productivity, parasite load, and disease incidence in small ruminant herds. We also used Mixed Models to check the impact of the package on small ruminant herds after its implementation. Results showed that Test herds experienced significantly fewer health conditions (OR = 0.62; p < 0.05) and higher herd growth rates (β = 23.7%; p < 0.05) than Control herds. Average daily weight gain was greater in treated herds (β = 8.8 g/day; p < 0.05), and live births were 1.65 times higher compared to controls (p < 0.05). Coprological analyses revealed four main gastrointestinal parasite genera (Strongylid nematodes, Eimeria spp., Trichuris spp., and Moniezia spp.), with significantly lower incidence in treated herds (OR = 0.43; p < 0.05). Sheep were more heavily infected than goats before (OR = 2.14; p < 0.05) and after intervention (OR = 1.49; p < 0.05). The integrated herd health package effectively improved small ruminant productivity by enhancing growth while reducing parasitic load and disease incidence. Scaling up this approach, combined with continuous farmer training and monitoring, could substantially improve livestock performance and rural incomes in similar production systems.