Project Overview

This 4-year study can be broken down into 5 main areas:

1. The impact on dung fauna and dung decomposition of conventional wormers (anthelmintics) used to control gastrointestinal parasites. Products tested include ivermectin, cydectin and Zolvix.

2. The impact on dung fauna and dung decomposition of alternative supplements marketed for livestock parasite control. These supplements include nematode-trapping fungi, Verm-X herbal formulation, diatomaceous earth, chicory, garlic, a homeopathic product and copper boluses.

3. The importance of dung beetle species richness and functional group identity on the ecosystem service of dung decomposition, and the impact of ivermectin on such patterns.

4. The relative sensitivity of north temperate dung beetles to ivermectin. What does this mean for the ecosystem service they provide?

5. The functional efficiency of (a) earthworms, (b) slugs, (c) 2 species of dung beetle and (d) water beetles in dung decomposition.

Please contact me if you would like to be added to the mailing list to be kept up to date with the progress of this research.

I would like to thank the following for providing livestock (dung) for trials: Marc & Sally Evans, Cuckoo Grove Farm; Roger & Jackie Mathias, Furzy Mount Farm; John & Pauline Beynon, Penweathers Farm; Nicholas Perkins, Rhosgadw Farm; Neil & Roger Perkins, Dinas Island Farm.