Effect of Inclusion of Tanniferous Leaf Meal Mixture on Growth Performance and Helminth Control in Nellore Brown Lambs

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infestation is a major constraint in sheep husbandry and this condition results in over usage of antihelminths leads to drug resistance and presence of residues in meat. To counteract this problem use of tanniferous leaves is promising approach both in terms of health of animals and in decreasing the economic burden on farmer. Methods: A total of 30 Nellore brown lambs aged 3-4 months with a mean live weight of 12.10±0.31 kg, tested positive for parasitic infestation were selected and randomly divided into five groups (NC, C, T1, T2 and T3) of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design.Treatment groups were fed with complete diet incorporated with Tanniferous Leaf Meal Mixture at different levels and both control groups were fed with complete diet without Leaf Meal Mixture.Body weights, ADG, FCR and faecal egg count were observed at fortnight intervals. Result: The mean final body weights were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in C group compared to treatment and NC groups. Among the treatment and NC groups, the mean final body weights were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in T2 group, while the difference was not significant among other groups. The mean faecal egg counts (Egg per gram) on day 120 of the experiment were reduced by 66.67%, 85.85% and 71.63% in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively, when compared with the day one of the experiment.