Resource allocation in a social wasp: effects of breeding system and life cycle on reproductive decisions.

Organisms must make important decisions on how to allocate resources to reproduction. We investigated allocation decisions in the social wasp Vespula maculifrons to understand how social insects make reproductive choices. We first determined how annual colonies apportioned resources to growth and reproduction by analysing developing brood.

Comparison of ivermectin, oxfendazole and levamisole for use as anthelmintics during the periparturient period in sheep.

Ewes synchronised with progestin impregnated sponges to reduce the spread of lambing were treated during the periparturient period with anthelmintic. The suppression of nematode egg output in faeces was measured in ewes given ivermectin either by subcutaneous injection or orally, or oxfendazole or levamisole orally. Ivermectin and oxfendazole reduced the output of eggs in the faeces of the ewes significantly (P less than 0.

Comparison of the anthelmintic efficacy of oxfendazole or ivermectin administered orally and ivermectin administered subcutaneously to sheep during the periparturient period.

The suppression of nematode egg output in faeces was measured in ewes treated just before lambing with either oxfendazole or ivermectin by oral drench or with ivermectin by subcutaneous injection. Ivermectin and oxfendazole given orally were similarly effective, whereas ivermectin given by subcutaneous injection extended the period of suppressed egg output by about one week. The more persistent anthelmintic effect of ivermectin given subcutaneously was probably due to its extended half-life in the plasma of treated sheep.