Control Of Gastrointestinal Parasites Research Articles

The effects of parasitism on ewes for prime lamb production in western Victoria

Context Internal parasites are estimated to cost the Australian sheep industry AUD436 million per annum (p.a.). Aims To assess the effects of parasitism in flocks producing prime lambs in the 500–700 mm p.a rainfall. area of Victoria. Methods Ewes on two farms that followed ‘best practice’ gastrointestinal parasite control programs (BP) and two farms that did not (regionally typical, TYP) were compared. Separate cohorts of ewes were monitored from pregnancy scanning to their subsequent joining each year for three consecutive seasons. Observations included worm egg count (WEC), bodyweight, condition score and presence of breech soiling (dag). These were compared between groups that were treated to suppress parasitism (SUP) and those treated according to the usual program used on that farm (NSUP). Data from individual ewes were analysed using a multivariable, mixed-effects regression model. Key results After adjusting for known confounders, SUP ewes were 1.2 (95% CI 0.80–1.6) kg heavier than NSUP ewes. Mature SUP ewes were significantly heavier than NSUP ewes at their next joining on 6 of 18 occasions, mostly following winters when ewes experienced nutritional stress. Ewe hoggets and Merino ewes were generally more susceptible to parasitism than mature non-Merino ewes; single-bearing ewes were less susceptible than those bearing twins. The effects of parasitism were reduced when peri-parturient ewes had an optimal condition score and grazed adequate pastures. Conclusions Ewes were more vulnerable to parasitism when immature, twin-bearing, or under nutritional stress. Some of the greatest differences between SUP and NSUP ewes occurred following periods of low feed availability and/or ewe condition score. The difference between the mean bodyweight of SUP and NSUP Merinos was not always greater than that of the non-Merinos. WECs are not a sole reliable indicator of the effects of parasitism in this class of sheep. Implications Immature or twin-bearing ewes, and those in suboptimal body condition, should be managed considering their increased vulnerability to parasitism, and WEC interpreted alongside other factors. Controlled release capsules were not cost effective in reducing production loss from gastrointestinal nematodes in most years but may be effective in reducing the effects of clinical parasitism in some cases.

Reduced gastrointestinal worm burden following long term parasite control improves body condition and fertility in beef cows

The objective of this study was to compare effects of gastrointestinal parasite control over a long vs short term (PC-LT vs. PC-ST) on fecal parasite load, body condition and pregnancy in beef cows. On Day 0, fecal samples were collected from Angus cross cows (n = 1462) and they were assigned a body condition score (BCS: 1, emaciated; 9, Obese) and randomly divided into two groups (within location) to receive extended-release eprinomectin [PC-LT; n = 749; 50 mg/50 kg body weight (BW)] or pour-on ivermectin (PC-ST; n = 713; 25 mg/50 kg BW). All cows were synchronized with CO-Synch + CIDR [100 μg GnRH + progesterone vaginal insert (CIDR) application on Day 20, CIDR removal +25 mg PGF2a on Day 27, and artificial insemination +100 μg GnRH on Day 30 (66 h after CIDR removal)] protocol, artificially inseminated (AI; Day 30) and on Day 44, exposed to breeding bulls (1:40 bull to cow ratio) for the remainder of the 85 day breeding season. On Day 90, a second fecal sample was collected from all cows and the cows were examined to determine pregnancy/AI (P/AI). All cows were assigned a BCS on Day 180 and re-examined to determine pregnancy/breeding season (P/BS). Worm egg count per gram of feces (FEG) was determined by McMaster method. There were no differences (P > 0.1) between PC-LT and PC-ST groups on Day 0 for FEG (46.9 ± 13.1 vs 42.6 ± 15.2, respectively; mean ± SEM) or BCS (5.95 ± 0.12 vs 6.00 ± 0.20). The mean FEG (PC-LT, 12.3 ± 4.7 vs. PC-ST, 131.3 ± 10.9) on Day 90 and BCS (PC-LT, 6.04 ± 0.07 vs. PC-ST, 5.79 ± 0.13) on Day 180 differed (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean P/AI [PC-LT, 62.9 %; (471/749) vs PC-ST, 57.4 %; (409/713)] and P/BS [PC-LT, 92.9 % (696/749) vs PC-ST, 90.0 (642/713)] also differed (P < 0.05). Lower FEG at Day 90 resulted in moderate to good body condition at Day 180 and cows with moderate to good body condition at Day 180 had higher P/BS. In conclusion, lower worm burden with long-term parasite control reduced FEG and improved BCS, P/AI and P/BS.

Angora goat gastrointestinal parasite knowledge and control practices among Lesotho farming communities.

Smallholder Angora goat farming is widespread throughout Lesotho, resulting in the country being ranked second in global mohair production. The Lesotho landscape across which Angora goats are produced is divided into lowlands, foothills, mountains, and the Senqu river valley agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Husbandry practices, including those related to the control of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs), are assumed to be influenced by the AEZ-determined farmers' lifestyles. This study assessed how the AEZ of the Angora goat farming communities influences farmers' demographic and socio-economic profiles, GIP knowledge, and goat management practices. Interviews were conducted with farmers from Maseru and Quthing districts selected from four areas that represent the AEZs. Our findings indicate that middle-aged males dominate goat farming in all AEZs. Also, most farmers only reached primary education, hence rely on experience for goat production. Familiarity with parasites differed among farmers from different AEZs although most viewed the GIP impact on goat health as high. Many farmers from all AEZs except the lowlands believed that diarrhoea, a common GIP symptom, is associated with their goat mortality. GIP control measures used include anthelmintics and traditional herbal medicines with differing frequency of administration. More than 80% of farmers reported offering supplemental feeds although other recommended goat management practices like shelter and sanitation were not commonly observed. All farmers reported reliance on communal grazing and many considered rangelands as sources of GIP infections. It is concluded that most husbandry practices are common across AEZs and that many of these are inadequate in controlling GIPs.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs (Sus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) of Chandragiri Municipality Kathmandu, Nepal

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of pigs reared in three different locations (Bishnu Devi, Kanchan Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality from February, 2017 to June, 2017 using opportunistic random method. A total of 105 pigs were sampled to assess and identify different species of GI parasites of pig. For this study, faecal samples were collected from a total of 105 pigs’ reared in three different locations (Bishnu Devi, Kanchan Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality. The collected faecal samples were examined by differentiation floatation technique and sedimentation techniques for isolation of parasitic eggs and/or oocysts. Out of 105 samples tested, an overall prevalence of 88.57% GI parasite was observed. Eight types of parasites were identified in which Eimeria spp. showed the highest prevalence rate (42.8%) and Schistosoma suis to be lowest (4.76%). The study had also revealed that about 15.23 and 73.33% pigs had harbored mixed and single infection, respectively. A Chi-square computed statistical analysis indicated that location (χ2=9.233; p&lt;0.05), and sex (χ2=0.031; p&gt;0.05) were significantly and insignificantly associated with the infection of GI parasites in the study area respectively. There was statistical significance difference of the GI parasites with infection types in relation to locations (χ2= 9.5733; p&lt;0.05). However, there was no statistical significance difference of the GI parasites with infection types in relation to sex (Male and female) (χ2=0.3142; p&gt;0.05). This study revealed that pig GI parasites were the major biological constraints contributing to the low productivity of pig and hampered the economic benefit obtained from the sector. Therefore, further detailed investigations are needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in pig farms in Chandragiri Municipality.

Incidence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Zebu and N’dama Breeds from Cattle Ranches in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

The incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in Zebu and N’dama breeds known to be trypanotolerant cattle from some ranches in Jos Plateau was investigated at the peak of the raining season, August to October, 2018. A total of 150 cattle from some Ranches in Jos Plateau were randomly selected for faecal sampling out of which 85 were Zebu (Bos indicus) and 65 were N’dama (Bos taurus) breeds respectively. The samples were analyzed for ova of gastrointestinal parasites using the simple flotation and sedimentation techniques and the results were interesting. The strongyloids, Oesophagostomumradiatum had the highest incidence of 4.7% followed by the Trichostrongylus species with 4%. Fasciolagigantica and Haemonchusplacei both were 3.3%. Then Paramphistomumcervi 2%; bovine hook worm, Bunostomumphlebotomum 1.3%, Taenia saginata1.3%, Schistosoma bovis 1.3% and Nematodirusspathiger 0.7%. The incidence of nematodes, cestodes and trematodes in this study in the raining season was significant (p&lt;0.05) and could pose production and economic threat to institutional farms and ranches in the development of livestock and dairy industries in Nigeria. There should be a strong policy on the control of gastrointestinal parasites in the country for farmers to benefit from their contribution in ensuring food security.

Copro-prevalence and Risk Factor Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Indian Domestic Pigs.

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to determine copro-prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their associated potential risk factors in pigs of Punjab (India). A total of 839 faecal samples were collected from pigs of all age group and sex from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab covering all seasons and subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination. Among the samples examined, 28.4 % were positive for gastrointestinal parasites and their respective prevalences were Ascaris suum (11.1 %), coccidia (9.41 %), Trichuris suis (6.43 %), Balantidium coli (4.5 %), amphistome (3.33 %), strongyle (2.14 %) and Ascarops strongylina (1.78 %). Upon sporulation of coccidian positive samples, 8 species of Eimeria were recorded (Eimeria polita, E. spinosa, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. suis, E. debliecki, E. neodebliecki and E. porci). Among the various risk factors analysed, season, agro-climatic zones and managemental practices had a signifi cant (p<0.05) effect on gastrointestinal parasitism of pigs. Quantification of the infection levels in various seasons and age groups revealed the highest mean egg per gram in rainy season (1966. 6± 1146.5) and grower pigs (1457.1 ± 500.4). Coproculture analysis revealed the presence of larvae of Hyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum species. The results of the current study would be of immense help in formulation and implementation of control strategies for effective control of gastrointestinal parasitism in pigs.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of the extract of coffee husk fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus for Ascaridia galli

The objective of this research was to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the ethanolic and aqueous extract of coffee husk fermented by Pleurotus ostreatus against Ascaridia galli. In vitro study of anthelmintic activity was conducted by counting the number of paralyzed worm body of Ascaridia galli during 24 hours in petri dish containing different levels of ethanolic and aqueous extract of fermented coffee husk, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (w/v) and compared to piperazine 0,5% (w/v) and NaCl 0,9%. The powdered samples of fermented coffee husk were macerated in the 30% ethanol solution with the ratio samples to solution = 1:3. In aqueous extract, samples to solution ratio was 1 : 7. The extract of fermented coffee husk possess phytochemical compunds which responsible for anthelmintic activity. The anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract was better than aqueous extract. Fermented coffee husk ethanolic extract exhibited mortality of A.galli at concentration 2% while showed highest mortality at concentration 4%. Fermented coffee husk ethanolic extract have the potential to aid in the control of gastro intestinal parasites in animal

Moxidectin residues in tissues of lambs submitted to three endoparasite control programs

The indiscriminate and continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has promoted the selection of resistant parasites population, the presence of drug residues in food products, and heavy environmental contamination. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antiparasitic drug residues in 42-days old lamb serum and tissues, submitted to three endoparasite control programs: preventive treatment (PT) using moxidectin (MOX) at every 28days; selective treatment (FEC) using MOX when fecal egg count was greater than or equal to 700; and selective treatment (FMC), using MOX when FAMACHA/FMC score was 3 and above. For this purpose, MOX residues were quantified in serum, muscle, fat, liver and kidney. Lambs were slaughtered when reaching 30kg of body weight, and after a 28-day MOX withdrawal period. Before slaughter, blood was collected to determine the concentration of MOX in serum. Tissues and organ samples were collected at slaughter. The quantitation of MOX residues was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). From the 756 tissue samples analyzed, only one sample of fat from the PT group showed residue levels (586.3μg/kg) above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 500μg/kg. No treated lambs presented traces of MOX residues in fat and liver, suggesting possible environmental contamination. In conclusion, all weaned lambs, produced in continuous grazing and subjected to gastrointestinal parasite control programs via selective (FEC and FMC) or preventive (PT) treatment, displayed a low risk (<1%) of MOX residues above the MRL in muscle, fat, kidney, and liver.

Monepantel in the control of Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. and possible side effects of treatment in naturally infected sheep

Sheep breeding represents an important economic source in many countries; however, anthelmintic resistance is an important limiting factor for sheep breeding development, due to its effects in animal performance. Monepantel is an active principle derived from an amino-acetonitrile class, with proven efficacy in the control of gastrointestinal parasites. However, the side effects associated to this treatment remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anthelmintic treatment with monepantel as well as evaluate the hepatic function, proteic and lipid metabolism, and antioxidant/oxidant levels in serum of naturally infected sheep with helminths. Sixteen naturally infected animals were used; all subjects had similar parasitic degree (determined by McMaster technique) on day 0. The animals were divided in two groups (A and B) with eight animals each. Group A did not receive any treatment (control group), while group B received a single dose of monepantel (2.5 mg/kg) on day 0 of the experiment. Fecal exams performed on days 4 and 8 post-treatment (PT) revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) in the group B where animals were treated with monepantel. On days 4 and 8 PT, seric reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased (p < 0.05), while the catalase (CAT) activity in serum decreased (p < 0.05) within the group B. Based on these results, we can conclude that monepantel is very likely to be a safe drug, effective in the control of helminths, and possesses direct effect on SOD activation in sheep.

Phytochemical and Anthelmintic Investigation of Leaves of Glochidion ellipticum Linn

Worm infections remain a major constraint to livestock productivity across all agro-ecological Zones. Now, the main mode for control of gastrointestinal parasites is based on the synthetic anthelmintic. However, wide spread increase of anthelmintic resistance, scarcity and high cost especially to farmers of low income in developing countries led to the need of other alternative helminth control methods. Among other alternative methods, there is considerable and expanding interest in traditional herbal de wormers. In present communication methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Glochidion ellipticum Linn. Flem were investigated for their anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Different concentrations were used in the assay, which involved paralysis and death time of the worms. Both the extracts showed significant anthelmintic activity.

Larvicidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis Cry11Aa toxin against Haemonchus contortus.

Effective control of gastrointestinal parasites is necessary in sheep production. The development of anthelmintics resistance is causing the available chemically based anthelmintics to become less effective. Biological control strategies present an alternative to this problem. In the current study, we tested the larvicidal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis Cry11Aa toxin against Haemonchus contortus larvae. Bacterial suspensions [2 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 of the feces] of B. thuringiensis var. israelensis and recombinant Escherichia coli expressing Cry11Aa toxin were added to naturally H. contortus egg-contaminated feces. The larvae were quantified, and significant reductions of 62 and 81% (P < 0·001) were, respectively observed, compared with the control group. A 30 mL bacterial suspension (1 × 108 CFU mL-1) of B. thuringiensis var. israelensis and recombinant E. coli expressing Cry11Aa toxin were then orally administered to lambs naturally infected with H. contortus. Twelve hours after administration, feces were collected and submitted to coprocultures. Significant larvae reductions (P < 0·001) of 79 and 90% were observed respectively compared with the control group. The results suggest that the Cry11Aa toxin of B. thuringiensis var. israelensis is a promising new class of biological anthelmintics for treating sheep against H. contortus.

Patch-burn grazing (PBG) as a livestock management alternative for fire-prone ecosystems of North America

AbstractMany rangelands of the world are fire dependent and display a strong interaction between fire and grazing on animal behavior, productivity and ecosystem processes. The application of this fire–grazing interaction as patch-burn grazing (PBG) has recently been promoted in North America to conserve biodiversity and as an alternative for livestock management in fire-prone ecosystems to enhance forage quality and other production benefits. PBG is functionally applied by burning spatially and temporally discrete patches to allow livestock to choose where and when to graze. However, considering that the primary intent of PBG in fire-dependent ecosystems has been for the conservation of biodiversity, we synthesized the peer-reviewed literature to assess PBG as an alternative strategy for livestock management in fire-prone ecosystems. We reviewed the literature to assess PBG as an alternative livestock management approach to optimize animal production and conserve biodiversity in fire-prone ecosystems. We reviewed the results of 83 studies that focused on two main areas: (1) livestock production and inputs and (2) maintaining or improving ecosystem functioning and biodiversity to support sustainable livestock production. PBG can optimize cattle production by offsetting input costs such as supplemental feed, insecticides, herbicides, mechanical brush control, veterinary costs and cross-fencing. PBG can also maintain native herbaceous plant communities that are the resource base for cattle grazing enterprises by reducing woody plant encroachment, stimulating above- and below-ground biomass of native perennial grasses, enhancing nutrient cycling and optimizing plant diversity. PBG creates a habitat mosaic critical for many trophic levels of wildlife, particularly grassland birds, which are currently in decline. Further research is needed to clarify the potential environmental gradients defining applicability of PBG, economic outcomes of PBG, potential gastro-intestinal parasite control with PBG and other metrics of animal production. Overall, PBG is a viable management approach to improve productivity and biodiversity in fire-regulated grassland ecosystems in a manner supported by both fire and grazing disturbances. This is especially true when these communities have other organisms that depend on periodic disturbance and interaction with large animal grazing and is supported by ample empirical research.

Método FAMACHA para detectar anemia clínica causada por Haemonchus contortus em cordeiros lactentes e ovelhas em lactação

Resumo: O controle das endoparasitoses gastrintestinais em pequenos ruminantes tem sido tradicionalmente realizado por meio do uso indiscriminado dos anti-helmínticos, porém essa prática tem resultado em grande pressão de seleção de parasitas resistentes. Métodos seletivos (ex: FAMACHA/FMC e contagem de ovos nas fezes/OPG) e que apresentem boa sensibilidade para identificar os animais que necessitam receber o tratamento químico são importantes alternativas aos métodos tradicionais. O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do método FMC, usado para detectar anemia causada por Haemonchus contortus em ovinos da raça Suffolk, em duas categorias de alta suscetibilidade; cordeiros lactentes e ovelhas durante a fase de lactação. A conjuntiva ocular de 42 cordeiros lactentes e 35 ovelhas em lactação foi avaliada usando o método FMC, em intervalos de 14 dias, durante cinco meses. O hematócrito (Ht) foi utilizado como padrão-ouro para avaliação clínica de anemia dos animais. Para o cálculo de sensibilidade e especificidade, diferentes critérios foram utilizados: animais classificados como 4 e 5 ou 3, 4 e 5 e anêmicos pelo Ht (teste positivo); animais classificados como 1, 2 e 3 ou 1 e 2 e não anêmicos pelo Ht (teste negativo). Três valores de corte para Ht (≤22%, ≤19% ou ≤15%) foram utilizados para confirmar a anemia. Entre os gêneros observados nas coproculturas, H. contortus (61,5%) e Ostertagiasp (21,3%) foram os mais prevalentes. Em ambas as categorias, a inclusão do FMC 3 como teste positivo, elevou a sensibilidade mas reduziu a especificidade do método. Quando o FMC 3 foi considerado anêmico, o percentual de falsos negativos foi próximo a zero, no entanto, houve aumento no número de tratamentos aplicados em animais não anêmicos (falso positivo). Durante as avaliações, a maior parte dos cordeiros (73%) e das ovelhas (53%) permaneceu nas categorias de FMC 1 e 2. Apenas 5% dos cordeiros e 8% das ovelhas foram classificados com os dois maiores graus de anemia (FMC 4 e 5). Os resultados indicam que o FMC pode ser utilizado para identificar os cordeiros lactentes e ovelhas em fase de lactação com sinais clínicos de anemia decorrentes da infecção por H. contortus. Para ambas as categorias, foi necessário incluir o FMC 3 como positivo para aumentar a sensibilidade do método; reduzindo o risco de morte de animais anêmicos não diagnosticados (falsos negativos).

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of seed extract of Coriandrum sativum compared to Niclosamid against Hymenolepis nana infection.

Phytotherapy can be an alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in human and animals. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a medicinal plant which grown as a spice crop all over the world. The seeds of this plant have been used to treat parasitic disease, indigestion, diabetes, rheumatism and pain in the joints. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of Niclosamid and alcoholic seed extract of C. sativum on Hymenolepis nana infection, in vivo and vitro. For in vivo study, Balb/c mice were used, to compare the efficacy of 50mg/kg body weight (B.W) of Niclosamid with different doses of alcoholic extracts of C. sativum (250, 500, and 750mg/kgB.W). It was found that the efficacy of Niclosamid had reached 100% after 11days post treatment, while the efficacy of 500 and 750mg/kgB.W of C. sativum reached to 100% after 15days after treatment. For in vitro study, special nutrient broth media was used. It was found that the addition of 1000mg/ml of Niclosamid had paralyzed and killed worms within 5min, while C. sativum killed them within 30min. Our results showed that extract of C. sativum has good effect against H. nana and could be use in traditional medicine for treatment of parasitic disease.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Major Gastrointestinal Parasites of Pig Slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites of pigs slaughtered at Addis Ababa Abattoirs Enterprise (AAAE) from October, 2009 to May, 2010 using systematic random sampling technique. A total of 390 pigs were sampled to assess and identify different genera of GIT parasites of pig. For this study, faecal samples were collected from a total of 390 pigs’ slaughtered in the abattoir while post mortem adult parasite recovery was done by incision of liver, removing intestinal content, opening of the cecum and colon. The collected faecal samples were examined by zinc sulphate floatation and sedimentation techniques for isolation of parasitic eggs and/or oocysts. Out of 390 samples tested in the present study, an overall prevalence of 61.8% GIT parasite was identified. Among the examined samples, 16.2% (63/390), 12.6% (49/390), 6.9% (27/390), 3.9% (15/390), 11.8% (46/390), 10.5% (41/390) were identified as Strongyloides spp., Ascaris suum (A. suum), Trichuris suis (T. suis), Oesophagostomum spp., Coccidia spp. and Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) ova/oocyst, respectively. The study had also revealed that about 11.28% and 37.69% pigs had harbored mixed and single infection, respectively. A Chi-square computed statistical analysis indicated that origin (χ2=3.5408; P>0.05), age (χ2=1.8628; P>0.05) and sex (χ2=0.0636; P>0.05) were insignificantly associated with the infection of GIT parasites in the study area. However, the prevalence of individual GIT parasite infections analysis revealed that both sex and age were significantly associated with the prevalence of Coccidia spp. (p<0.05) while origin was significantly associated with the prevalence of the nematode A. suum (p<0.05). An overall prevalence of 28.2% GIT parasites were identified upon postmortem adult parasite inspection. Our study revealed that pig GIT parasites were the major biological constraints contributing to the low productivity of pig and hampered the economic benefit obtained from the sector. Therefore, further detailed investigations are needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in pig farms in Ethiopia.

Larvicidal activity of Bacillus circulans against the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus in sheep.

Efficient control of gastrointestinal parasites is necessary in sheep breeding. However, the available chemically based anthelmintics are becoming less effective due to the development of parasite resistance. An alternative to this problem is biological control. In the present study, we tested the larvicidal effect of Bacillus circulans by administering a spore suspension (2×109 colony forming units/ml) orally to lambs naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus. The number of faecal larvae was quantified daily and a significant reduction (~87%, P<0.05) of larval development was observed after administration of B. circulans. Using a transformed B. circulans with green fluorescent protein, we were able to detect B. circulans in the faeces at 4h post-administration and 72h after cessation of its administration. These results suggest the use of B. circulans as a promising biological alternative for parasite control.

Percentual de suplementação de fonte taninífera na ração concentrada de caprinos jovens sobre o desempenho e carga parasitária

O presente estudo buscou determinar o percentual de adição de torta de pimenta rosa (TPR) na dieta de caprinos jovens sobre o desempenho e carga parasitária. Foram utilizados 25 caprinos jovens da raça Saanen, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em grupos de cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, constituídos por grupos: não suplementados com TPR; suplementados com 15% TPR; suplementados com 30% TPR; suplementado com 45% TPR; e suplementado com 60% TPR. O aumento dos níveis de suplementação de pimenta rosa resultou em efeito quadrático sobre o consumo voluntário de matéria seca (CVMS), peso metabólico e ganho em peso diário (P≤0,05). Para o CVMS, o comportamento quadrático (P≤0,05) revelou ponto de mínimo de 67,1g kg0,75 dia-1 no percentual de 59,8% de TPR; para o peso metabólico, um ponto máximo de 8,5kg0,75 no percentual de 15,5% de TPR; e, para o ganho em peso diário, um ponto máximo de 0,107g dia-1 no percentual de 19,6% de TPR na dieta. Em relação à influencia da TPR sobre a carga parasitária, observou-se efeito quadrático dos níveis de suplementação de TPR na contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) (P≤0,05), com ponto de mínimo estimado em 1,0Log10 no nível de 35,8% TPR na dieta, representando o limite de resposta do TPR. Além da redução no OPG, houve um decréscimo linear na contagem de oocistos por grama de fezes (OOPG) com o incremento nos níveis de TPR da dieta. Conclui-se que a adição de 20-30% TPR possibilitou o controle de parasitos gastrointestinais com máximo desempenho animal.

In vitro effects of Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta, Alpinia zerumbet and Lantana camara essential oils on Haemonchus contortus

Phytotherapy can be an alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants. This study evaluated the efficacy of Alpinia zerumbet, Coriandrum sativum, Tagetes minuta and Lantana camara essential oils by two in vitro assays on Haemonchus contortus, an egg hatch test (EHT) and larval development test (LDT). No effect was observed for L. camara in the EHT. A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta essential oils exhibited a dose-dependent effect in the EHT, inhibiting 81.2, 99 and 98.1% of H. contortus larvae hatching, respectively, at a concentration of 2.5 mg mL-1. The effective concentration to inhibit 50% (EC50) of egg hatching was 0.94, 0.63 and 0.53 mg mL-1 for A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta essential oils, respectively. In LDT, L. camara, A. zerumbet, C. sativum and T. minuta at concentration of 10 mg mL-1 inhibited 54.9, 94.2, 97.8 and 99.5% of H. contortus larval development, presenting EC50 values of 6.32, 3.88, 2.89 and 1.67 mg mL-1, respectively. Based on the promising results presented in this in vitro model, it may be possible use of these essential oils to control gastrointestinal nematodes. However, their anthelmintic activity should be confirmed in vivo.

Gastrointestinal parasite control during prepuberty improves mammary parenchyma development in Holstein heifers

Parasitism during development impairs normal growth and delays the onset of puberty through altered hormone profiles, including insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-1). As mammary gland development during prepuberty is strongly dependent on IGF-1, we determined if antiparasitic treatment during this stage of growth improved mammary gland development. One group of Holstein heifers was treated monthly, rotationally with antiparasitic drugs from birth to 70 weeks of age, a second group was untreated. Treated heifer calves had between 56% and 65% less EPG counts than untreated ones. Presence of Ostertagia, Cooperia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus was demonstrated. Treatment effectively advanced the onset of puberty and increased IGF-1 levels. At 20, 30, 40 and 70 weeks of age biopsies from the mammary gland were taken and histological sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin–eosin. Pictures were analyzed to compare parenchyma area in relation to total mammary tissue between groups. Mammary samples from treated heifers had higher ratios of parenchyma/total area than untreated ones. As mammary development during prepuberty is crucial for mammary performance during lactation, these results add new evidence to the importance of gastrointestinal parasite control in heifers.

Participatory study of medicinal plants used in the control of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys in Eastern Shewa and Arsi zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia

BackgroundGastrointestinal nematode infections constitute a threat to the health and welfare of donkeys worldwide. Their primary means of control is via anthelmintic treatments; however, use of these drugs has constraints in developing countries, including cost, limited availability, access to cheaper generic forms of variable quality and potential anthelmintic resistance. As an alternative, bioactive plants have been proposed as an option to treat and control gastrointestinal helminths in donkeys. This study aimed to use participatory methodology to explore donkey owner knowledge, attitudes and beliefs relating to the use of plant-based treatments for gastrointestinal parasites of donkeys in Ethiopia.ResultsIn focus groups, 22/29 groups stated they knew of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys. All groups volunteered plants that were used in cattle and/or small ruminants. In total, 21 plants were named by participants. ‘Koso’ (Hagenia abyssinica) ‘Grawa’ (Vernonia amygdalina) and a mixed roots and leaves preparation were the most frequently named plant preparations. ‘Enkoko’ (Embelia shimperi) and ‘a mixture of roots and leaves’ were ranked highly for effectiveness in donkeys. However, ‘Grawa’ and ‘Koso’ were the highest ranked when taking into account both the rank position and the number of groups ranking the plant.Thematic analysis of participants’ current attitudes and beliefs surrounding traditional plant-based remedies for gastrointestinal parasites revealed that anthelmintics obtained from clinics were generally favoured due to their ease of administration and perceived higher effectiveness. There was doubt surrounding the effectiveness of some plant-based treatments, but there were also perceived advantages including their low cost, ease of cultivation and availability. However, plant-based treatments were considered a “past trend” and people favoured “modern” medicine, particularly among the younger generation.ConclusionsThere was extensive knowledge of plant-based treatments for gastrointestinal parasites in livestock in Ethiopia. In donkeys, Koso (Hagenia abyssinica), Grawa (Vernonia amygdalina), Enkoko (Embelia shimperi) and ‘mixed roots and leaves’ were the most frequently named and/or highest ranked plants with reported efficacy against gastrointestinal parasites. Further in vitro and in vivo investigation of these plants is now required to determine viable alternatives for the treatment and control of gastrointestinal parasites in Ethiopia.