Faecal Oocyst Counts Research Articles

Validating the use of a newly developed cinnamaldehyde product in commercial broiler production

Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative to antibiotics for animal production. In the current study, 4 trials were conducted on a commercial broiler farm to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of an encapsulated cinnamon EO product (NE-OFF) on the bird growth performance, gut health, and gene expression in the ileum, spleen, and liver relating to the host response to heat and other stresses, including potential NE challenge. In each trial, approximately 30,000 Cobb or Ross broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments: a raised without antibiotics (RWA) commercial diet as positive control, an adjusted RWA commercial diet as negative control, and the negative control diet supplemented with 2 different dosages of NE-OFF, which was added during feed pelleting. Although the final average body weight did not differ significantly among treatment groups, birds fed NE-OFF had an increased ratio of villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum, and reduced fecal oocyst counts. Trial 2 was conducted in the summer and had a necrotic enteritis (NE) outbreak. The supplementation of NE-OFF reduced the NE incidence and bird mortality. The samples from Trial 2 were hence selected for the analyses of Clostridium perfringens and NetB toxin gene abundance in the ileum, and host responses. The C. perfringens population appeared to be positively correlated with the NetB gene abundance. The gene expression analysis suggested that NE-OFF supplementation improved nutrient absorption and transportation as well as antioxidant activities to help the birds against stress. These on-farm trial results support the hypothesis that the use of NE-OFF as a feed additive can improve bird gut health and performance in commercial broiler production, especially for preventing NE outbreaks when birds are under stress.

A Field Study Evaluating the Effects of Diclazuril and Oregano Oil for the Prevention of Coccidiosis in Fattening Rabbits

A Field Study Evaluating the Effects of Diclazuril and Oregano Oil for the Prevention of Coccidiosis in Fattening Rabbits

Metaphylactic strategies using toltrazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids

Goat coccidiosis compromises animal welfare, reduces productivity and may cause mortality and delayed growth rates in goat kids around the weaning period worldwide. This field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metaphylactic treatments with two doses of toltrazuril (20 or 40 mg/kg body weight – BW, p. o.), at different timing, in kids naturally infected with Eimeria spp. A total of 97 healthy goat kids (Majorera milk aptitude breed) were divided into five groups, depending on the age of treatment (2 or 7 weeks). One group remained untreated as a negative control until the end of the study. Faecal oocyst shedding, faecal consistency, and body weight of the animals were monitored at day 0 and at weekly intervals. Counts of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) were determined by a modified McMaster technique. Morphometric identification of Eimeria species was carried out on individual faecal samples from each experimental group after oocyst sporulation. Goat kids treated at two weeks of age maintained OPG values close to zero during the 5 weeks post-treatment and, overall, had lower faecal oocyst counts than untreated control animals. No significant differences were observed between the two doses of toltrazuril used in two-week-old treated animals. By contrast, when treatment was carried out at seven weeks of age, the dose of 40 mg/kg BW of toltrazuril reduced oocyst levels for longer and to a greater extent than the 20 mg/kg dose. Irrespectively of the treatment and dose, toltrazuril delayed the appearance of pathogenic Eimeria species, i. e. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and Eimeria arloingi. As a whole, Eimeria christenseni, with a rather moderate pathogenicity, was highly predominant throughout the study period, including the untreated control group, which was probably the reason why clinical signs of coccidiosis were barely observed throughout the experiment. Under these circumstances, the positive effect of toltrazuril on body weight condition observed in some treated groups was difficult to correlate to the timing and doses. Metaphylactic treatments with 20 mg/kg BW toltrazuril given at two weeks of age are sufficient to control oocyst excretion in goat kids; whereas if administered later in 7-week-old animals, thereby coinciding with the frequently observed peak of oocyst elimination in goat kids under field conditions, a higher dose might be advisable to prevent environmental contamination with infectious oocysts.

Genetic profile of adaptive immune traits and relationships with parasite resistance and productivity in Scottish Blackface sheep

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites cause significant production losses in grazing ruminants which can be mitigated by breeding animals resistant to disease. Lymphocyte cytokine production and parasite-specific Immunoglobulin A (IgA) are adaptive immune traits associated with immunity to GI parasites. To explore the utility of these traits for selective breeding purposes, this study estimated the genetic parameters of the immune traits in sheep and assessed their relationship with disease and productivity traits. Whole blood stimulation assays were performed on 1 040 Scottish Blackface lambs at two months of age in 2016–2017. Blood was stimulated with either pokeweed mitogen (PWM), a non-specific activator of lymphocytes, and Teladorsagia circumcincta (T-ci) larval antigen to activate parasite-specific T lymphocytes. The type of adaptive immune response was determined by quantifying production of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10, which relate to T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2 and regulatory T cell responses, respectively. Serum T-ci specific IgA was also quantified. Heritabilities were estimated for each immune trait by univariate analyses. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between different immune traits, and between immune traits vs. disease and productivity traits that were recorded at three months of age. Disease phenotypes were expressed as faecal egg counts (FEC) of nematode parasites (Strongyles and Nematodirus), faecal oocyst counts (FOC) of coccidian parasites, and faecal soiling score; production was measured as lamb live weight. Significant genetic variation was observed in all immune response traits. Heritabilities of cytokine production varied from low (0.14 ± 0.06) to very high (0.77 ± 0.09) and were always significantly greater than zero (P < 0.05). IgA heritability was found to be moderate (0.41 ± 0.09). Negative associations previously identified between IFN-γ production and FOC, and IL-4 production and strongyle FEC, were not evident in this study, potentially due to the time-lag between immune and parasitology measures. Instead, a positive genetic correlation was found between FOC and PWM-induced IFN-γ production, while a negative genetic correlation was found between FOC and T-ci induced IL-10. Live weight was negatively genetically correlated with IFN-γ responses. Overall, IFN-γ and IL-4 responses were positively correlated, providing little evidence of cross-regulation of Th1 and Th2 immunity within individual sheep. Furthermore, T-ci specific IgA was highly positively correlated with PWM-induced IL-10, indicating a possible role for this cytokine in IgA production. Our results suggest that while genetic selection for adaptive immune response traits is possible and may be beneficial for parasite control, selection of high IFN-γ responsiveness may negatively affect productivity.

A questionnaire-based survey in Spain provides relevant information to improve the control of ovine coccidiosis.

Ovine coccidiosis is a widespread intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria spp. Lambs are infected by the ingestion of sporulated oocysts, experiencing diarrhea and low growth rates. Control should be based on measures to reduce infection pressure and stress on the animals as well as on appropriate diagnosis and strategic treatment. To obtain information on how control measures are implemented in the ovine sector in Spain, a questionnaire-based survey was completed in 2022 by 154 veterinarians and 173 farmers working in this sector. Coccidiosis was highlighted as a relevant disease by 34% of the respondents. The period of greatest risk seemed to differ between production systems, being mainly early after weaning (7-15 days after weaning) in meat flocks and feedlots and later (1-2 months after weaning) in dairy flocks. The absence of cleaning and disinfection measures was identified as a risk factor by 51% of the veterinarians, with 22% mentioning overcrowding of animals and 22% indicating that coccidiosis has more incidence in flocks with large number of animals. The use of laboratory diagnosis methods (fecal oocyst count) was unusual in 70 and 84% of the veterinarians and farmers, respectively. Regarding control, dairy flocks usually housed a larger number of animals under intensive conditions, and they implemented more frequently control measures for coccidiosis than meat flocks. Anticoccidial drugs were used in 79% of the flocks, and in 74-82% of them, they were applied based on clinical criteria. Comparing protocols for anticoccidial treatment among different production systems, in meat flocks, anticoccidial drugs were applied more frequently when clinical signs were observed, and coccidiostats were used for less than 28 days compared to dairy flocks. These results highlight the need for improvement in the use of anticoccidial treatments adjusted to the new regulatory framework in the EU, which in turn will rationalize the use of antimicrobial compounds and may help to mitigate the impact of coccidiosis in flocks.

AMERICAN CONSORTIUM FOR SMALL RUMINANT PARASITE CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE USE OF PLANT SECONDARY COMPOUNDS OF SERICEA LESPEDEZA FOR THE CONTROL OF SHEEP AND GOAT PARASITES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction&lt;/strong&gt;: Sericea lespedeza (SL; &lt;em&gt;Lespedeza cuneata&lt;/em&gt;) is a warm-season perennial legume well-adapted to the warm, moist climate of the southeastern USA. High in condensed tannins and other secondary compounds, SL has potential as an anti-parasitic nutraceutical forage for sheep and goats in this region and throughout the world where it is adapted. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: To summarize the nearly 20 years’ work of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (ACSRPC) related to the anti-parasitic properties of SL in the diet of small ruminants. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: In a series of experiments with goats and sheep fed SL in fresh (grazed), dried (hay, leaf meal, pellets) or preserved (ensiled) forms, this forage showed promising anti-parasitic efficacy against GIN, particularly &lt;em&gt;Haemonchus contortus&lt;/em&gt;, and coccidia (&lt;em&gt;Eimeria &lt;/em&gt;spp.), lowering gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) fecal egg counts (FEC), coccidial fecal oocyst counts (FOC), and reducing GIN larval development and worm burdens. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;: These results indicate the potential of SL as a component of integrated, novel (non-chemical) parasite management programs for on-farm application by small ruminant producers. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: Sericea lespedeza has very good anti-parasitic activity against GIN and coccidial infection in sheep and goats and has excellent potential as a nutraceutical forage for small ruminant producers, either for their own use or for sale as nutraceutical hay or pellets.&lt;/p&gt;

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths species in cattle raised at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Helminths are worm-like parasites that live in the gut of animals or humans that feed on the host to obtain nourishment and protection, sometimes causing morbidity and mortality if not treated. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths Species in Cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Faecal sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. A total of 72 (100%) fecal samples consisting of 52 (72.2%) females and 20 (27.80%) males were examined. McMaster has an overall prevalence of 40(55.5%), and 2 (2.8%) Strongyloides and Monienzia sp. while sedimentation techniques show the prevalence of 38(52.8%) and 1(1.4%) Paramphistomium sp. Trichuris and Haemonchus sp. No significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the occurrence of parasitic helminths in the samples with respect to locations and techniques used. Fecal samples were examined among the sexes, females had 2(10.0%) and age group &gt;18 years with 2(3.2%) co-infected with helminths. Across the breed, white Fulani had 2(3.2%) mixed infections compared to other breeds. The study revealed that GIT parasitic helminths infections prevalence is common among white Fulani cattle probably due to open grazing and scavenging. There is a need to sensitize nomads on deworming to mitigate the GIT infections and improve animal health status.

Coccidiosis in Barbari and Jamunapari goats at an organized farm in semi-arid tropical region of India

The aim of the present study was to learn more about caprine coccidiosis in semi-arid tropical regions, including transformation techniques for data analysis and variables impacting faecal oocyst count in Barbari and Jamunapari goats. For this investigation, a total of 1422 goat faeces samples from two separate seasons were tested, and 1342 (94.37%) of them were positive for several coccidian species oocysts. A total of 259 animals, including 153 Barbari (77 males and 76 females) and 106 Jamunapari (45 males and 61 females), provided the 777 faecal samples from the autumn season. In contrast, 215 animals, including 110 Barbari (60 males and 50 females) and 105 Jamunapari (52 males and 53 females), provided the 645 faecal samples from the spring season. At 3.5, 6.0, and 7.5 months of age, both breeds had their faeces examined. The geometric mean of oocysts per Gram (OPG) for the Barbari breeds was greater than the Jamunapari breeds at 6.637a±0.03 (662) and 6.521b±0.03 (579), respectively. The Transformed oocysts per gram (LOPG) was also greater in females 6.651a±0.03 (673) than in males. Similar to the age comparison, the 7.5 month older animal showed a greater count of 6.858a±0.04 (851) than the 3.5 and 6.0 month old animals. The five found coccidian oocysts were Eimeria arloingi, Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae, Eimeria hirci, Eimeria caprina, and Eimeria christenseni. The oocysts Eimeria arloingi (39–45%), Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae (25–31%), Eimeria hirci (13-20%), Eimeria christenseni (6–12%), and Eimeria caprina (3–10%) were present in both breeds and seasons of male and females.

Comparative efficacy of allopathic and herbal drugs in sheep naturally infected with coccidiosis

Development of anticoccidial resistance and concerns of drug residues have prompted the evaluation of alternatives to allopathic drugs. In current study, anticoccidial effect of amprolium was compared with that of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. Ninety (90) sheep, naturally infected with Eimeria spp. and having a minimum oocyst per gram (OPG) count of faeces above 5000 were randomly selected and divided into six groups of 15 animals each. Animals were supplemented with amprolium @ 62.50 mg/kg body weight (bw) (GI), turmeric @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GII and GIII) and ginger @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GIV and GV), orally for 7 days and GVI animals were kept as untreated infected control. Faecal samples were collected on ‘0’ day before treatment and on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after starting treatment and evaluated using Faecal oocyst count reduction test (FOCRT). The efficacy of amprolium was 93.18%, 96.82%, 95.56% and 95.80% on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, after starting treatment. Turmeric @200 mg/kg b.w. showed efficacy of 41.49%, 52.37%, 61.47% and 60.08% and turmeric @ 300 mg/kg bw was 44.92%, 54.32%, 64.21% and 61.95% effective on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. Ginger @200 mg/kg bw showed efficacy of 38.51%, 53.48%, 55.38% and 55.53% and ginger @ 300 mg/kg bw was 39.65%, 54.81%, 57.18% and 58.22% effective on 8th,14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. The results justify use of amprolium for clinical coccidiosis while Curcuma longa and Gingiber officinale could be used as natural prophylactic alternatives.

Treatment Effects of Chitosan Nanoencapsulated Bromelain against Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Coccidia in Goats of Kenya

The management of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and coccidiosis of livestock relies on the use of commercial anthelmintic; however, the excessive and frequent usage of these drugs has led to the substantial and dramatic development of anthelmintic and anticoccidial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and anticoccidial efficacy of chitosan nanoencapsulated bromelain (CNB) against a wide spectrum of GIN and coccidia in goats. Additionally, the study assessed the safety of CNB in the goats. Bromelain was extracted from the pineapple peels and then encapsulated using chitosan. A total of 20 healthy male goats naturally infected with GIN and coccidia were used. The goats were separated into four treatment groups, with five goats per each. The CNB was orally administered at dosages of 270 and 90 mg/Kg, once daily for 60 days. Fecal egg counts (FEC), fecal oocyst counts (FOC), packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), urea, and creatinine were determined weekly. The goats were monitored for clinical signs daily, and their body weight was recorded weekly. The findings revealed that FEC reduction rates in the group that received 270 mg/Kg CNB and the group that received Albendazole were 73.41% and 79.54% at day 7 post-treatment. Also, the reduction of FOC in the group receiving 270 mg/Kg CNB at day 7 (84.12%) did not show a significant difference with Diclazuril (82.12%). The FEC and FOC were zero (reduction of FEC and FOC was 100%) at 28 days of treatment in goats treated with 270 mg/Kg CNB. During the monitoring period, no mortalities and no clinical signs were observed in the treated goats. The PCV, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea levels for the goats in all groups were within normal limits. No pathological lesions were observed in the goat’s organs. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that repeated (60 days) dosages of 270 mg/Kg had anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects and were safe for goats. The study recommends further investigation in a field setting involving more animals. This would allow the development of a novel product for managing helminthiasis and coccidiosis in ruminants.

The therapeutic effectiveness of thyme extract in naturally infected puppies with ascariasis

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of thyme extract in puppies naturally infected with ascarids.&#x0D; Methodology: The study consisted of 20 puppies of different sexes (males and females), 2-4 months old, naturally infected with ascarid. The experimental units were given an oral 20% concentration of thyme extract for 3 days, and faecal oocyst counts were conducted on the 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days starting from the day the treatment was started (day 0). Also, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT values in the blood were monitored on the 0th and 3rd days, together with daily clinical examination, to monitor possible toxic effects.&#x0D; Results: While the number of faecal egg counts in 2 puppies (10%) varied considerably, egg shedding in 8 (40%) of the treated puppies was zero. It was observed that in 10 of the puppies (60%), egg shedding was not completely zero. However, the oocyst counts decreased by 25% to 98.3%. It was also observed that the values of the measured blood biochemical values were within reference range and the puppies did no not show any clinical sign of toxicity during treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion and Recommendation: It was concluded that the thyme extract did not have any toxic effect in the puppies at the concentration studied, and it could be effective in the treatment of ascariasis.

Influence of Wormwood Seeds on Enzymatic and Non–enzymatic Activity in Blood of Broilers with Coccidiosis

Wormwood plants have been of great botanical and pharmaceutical interest and are employed in folk medicine for a long time. Wormwood has been used successfully for many years as a remedy against malaria and has been reported to exhibit antiprotozoal potential. Having in mind that, this study aimed to investigate the effects of wormwood seeds on enzymatic activity and non–enzymatic activity in broilers infected with coccidiosis. A biological experiment with broiler chickens was performed on a total of 360 Ross 308 broiler chickens. Chickens were divided into three experimental treatments with six replication each, respectively. Treatment I (WW1) was uninfected with coccidia oocyst and untreated, treatment II (WW2) was infected with coccidia oocyst and was kept untreated, while treatment III (WW3) was infected with coccidia oocyst and received wormwood seeds in feed in the quantity of 1.5%. Blood was collected for the evaluation of antioxidant status. Results of bloody diarrhea intensity of chickens have ranged from 0% (WW1; day 26th) to 99% (WW2; day 28th), respectively. Regarding the influence of dietary wormwood seeds on fecal oocyst counts obtained results showed the highest oocyst in treatment WW2 on the 30th day of the experiment (45115.7 oocyst number/g), which was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) when compared to treatments WW3 (623.3 oocyst number/g), and WW1 (0 oocyst number/g) on the same experimental day. Our results indicate a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in non-enzymatic activity and higher catalytic enzymatic activity in blood hemolysates of infected broilers. Based on our research it can be concluded that wormwood seeds can be used in feed for broilers as a prophylactic feed additive to prevent coccidia oocyst development.

English

The current study assessed the anticoccidial efficacy of chitosan nanoencapsulated bromelain (CNB) against coccidiosis in goats. Bromelain was extracted from the pineapple peels using standard methods while oral solution of CNB was prepared using standard manufacturing methods. The in vivo study was done on fifteen healthy male goats naturally infected with coccidia. The goats were divided into three groups consisting of three treatment groups (90 and 270 mg/Kg CNB, Diclazuril, 5 mg/Kg). The drugs were administered orally for 3 days. Fecal Oocyst Counts (FOC) determined using the modified McMaster technique. The goats were observed for clinical signs on daily basis while body weight was recorded weekly. The level of packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), urea, and creatinine were assessed weekly. At the end of the study, goats were euthanized and gross pathology and histopathology conducted. The results showed that at day 28 post-treatment there was a significantly reduction of FOC of 98.42 and 82.30% for Diclazuril and 270 mg/Kg treatment groups, respectively. The reduction of FOC percentage was significantly higher (p &le; 0.01) in Diclazuril group than that in 270 mg/Kg. During the monitoring period, there was no mortality or clinical signs observed in the goats. The PCV, AST, ALT, creatinine and urea were in normal ranges for goats. There were no pathological lesions on the goat organs. In conclusion, CNB had high anticoccidial efficacy and was safe for use in goats. Strategies to improve the efficacy of this potential drug should be further investigated. &nbsp; Key words: Anticoccidial efficacy, bromelain, chitosan, goat, nanoencapsulation.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF SORGHUM CHAFF FOR THE CONTROL OF HELMINTHIASIS IN YANKASA RAMS.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-helminthic effect of sorghum chaff fed to small ruminants. Fifteen growing Yankasa rams with an average live weight of 17.5 kg were dewormed using Albendazole at 10mg/kg body weight and infected with nematodes larvae (2,100 L3 of strongyle per ram) and allotted to five (5) treatments of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% inclusion levels of sorghum chaff in diets in a completely randomized design with three replications. Each ram was offered the experimental diet at 1.5% of its body weight as supplement daily for eight weeks. Faecal samples were collected from the rams before and at the end of the experiment to detect the presence of parasitic infections (fecal egg and oocyst counts). The control treatment (0% sorghum chaff) was dewormed using Albendazole at 10mg/kg body weight. The results showed mild infestations with strongyle and moniezia at four weeks after L3 infestation but were statistically (P&gt;0.05) similar. Similarly, there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences observed in the number of eggs per gram of faeces across treatments at week six, but numerically, animals on treatment 4 (60% inclusion level of sorghum chaff) had better worm clearance relative to other treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of sorghum chaff in the diets of small ruminants up to 60% level could be used to control gastrointestinal nematodes infestation in sheep. Further studies to isolate the active ingredients having anti-helminthic effect in the sorghum chaff and standard inclusion levels are hereby recommended.

Effect of an Herbal Mixture of Oregano, Garlic, Sage and Rock Samphire Extracts in Combination with Tributyrin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Morphology, and Meat Quality in Broilers

The present study investigated the effects of two feed additives, the first containing an herbal mixture of oregano, garlic, sage, and rock samphire extracts and the second containing tributyrin (glyceryl tributyrate) when fed to broiler chickens. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments (6 replicate pens of 15 chicks). One treatment served as the unsupplemented control, whereas the feeds of the other three treatments were supplemented either with the herbal additive (3 g/kg), the tributyrin additive (1 g/kg), or both additives. The duration of the trial was 37 days. Data were collected on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and morphology, and some meat quality parameters. The combined supplementation improved (p &lt; 0.05) weigh gain, feed conversion ratio, and the European Efficiency Factor. In the cecum, the combined supplementation lowered (p &lt; 0.05) the microbial populations of aerobes, anaerobes, Escherichia coli, total Enterobacteriaceae, and Clostridium spp. compared to the other treatments. Fecal coccidial oocyst counts were also reduced (p &lt; 0.01) by the combined supplementation. The herbal mixture supplementation improved (p &lt; 0.05) breast and thigh meat resistance to oxidation. In conclusion, the combined dietary supplementation with the examined feed additives could be utilized to improve the performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

PSIII-A-9 Effect of Fertility Level on Nutraceutical Parameters of Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata)

Abstract Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata), is a high-tannin warm-season perennial forage plant with very good bioactivity against internal parasites of small ruminants. Hays of SL produced under normal-fertility (NF) and enhanced-fertility (EF) management were compared to a bermudagrass (BG; Cynodon dactylon) hay diet in a 6-week feeding trial with goats. Naturally parasite infected intact Spanish male goats (8-9 months old) housed in individual pens were fed NF (n=15) or EF (n=13) SL or BG hay (n=15; CON) free choice. A commercial goat pellet was provided to all goats at 1.5% of body weight. At the start of the study and weekly thereafter, fecal and blood samples were collected to analyze gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg counts (FEC) and Eimeria spp. (coccidia) fecal oocyst counts (FOC) and percentage packed red blood cell volume (PCV), respectively. Animal weights were recorded at the start and end of the trial. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS for repeated measures with inferences made on log-transformed data for FEC, FOC and PCV, and GLM used for average daily gain (ADG) data. The FEC and FOC for EF and NF SL were different from control after day 0 (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Percentage PCV tended (P &amp;lt; 0.052) to be influenced by treatment, in which EF and NF SL were similar, but both were higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than CON (tendency only for NF, P &amp;lt; 0.07). The goats’ ADG was impacted by treatment, as those fed SL grown under enhanced fertility had higher (P &amp;lt; 0.001) weight gain than the NF SL and CON goats, which were similar. Enhanced-fertility SL improved animal performance while maintaining anti-parasitic bioactivity in goats.

52 Can Annual Lespedeza (Kummerowia Stipulacea) be Used as an Anti-Parasitic Hay for Goats?

Abstract Infection with internal parasites is the primary constraint to profitable small ruminant production systems world-wide. Perennial lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) has been used as a nutraceutical (nutritional + pharmaceutical) forage for livestock, with very good bioactivity against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and coccidia (Eimeria spp.) in sheep and goats, but the anti-parasitic bioactivity of annual lespedeza (Kummerowia stiulacea) has not been documented. An 8-week pen feeding trial was completed with yearling Spanish intact bucks (38.3 ± 3.6 kg) fed 3 treatment diets (n = 15/treatment) of 60% hay and 40% concentrate, with diets balanced for CP and energy. Hay treatments were ground ‘Korean’ annual lespedeza (AL), ‘AU-Grazer’ sericea lespedeza (SL), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Blood and fecal samples were taken every 7 days throughout the study to determine packed cell volume (PCV) and GIN fecal egg counts (FEC) and coccidia fecal oocyst counts (FOC), respectively. Body weights (BW) were taken at the start and end of the trial. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures. There was no effect of treatment, time, or treatment x time interaction on BW or PCV of the goats. Both FEC and FOC were impacted by a treatment by time interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05). For FEC, AL goats were different from CON at all time points, but the SL group was only different from CON at d 14, 21 and 49. The AL and SL groups were different at days 35, 42 and 49 only. For FOC, AL was only different (P &amp;lt; 0.03) from CON on day 49, SL different from CON on day 42 and 49 and AL different from SL on day 42 only. Korean AL had similar anti-parasitic bioactivity as AU-Grazer SL in goats, suggesting a larger role for AL as a nutraceutical forage for livestock.

Long-term efficacy of toltrazuril in naïve calves prophylactically treated and experimentally infected with Eimeria spp.

Eimeria are ubiquitous parasites and eimeriosis treatment is based on coccidiostats or coccidicides used prophylactically, metaphylactically, or therapeutically. The long-term efficacy of toltrazuril (TZR, 15mg/kg) against experimentally infected naïve calves was investigated. Seven groups (six treated and one control) of six animals each were formed. Animals of each group received a single TZR prophylactic oral treatment on days - 42, - 35, - 28, - 21, - 14, and - 7 before the challenge with infectious sporulated oocysts of Eimeria spp. (100,000 oocysts: 59.5% E. zuernii, 38.1% E. bovis, 1.2%, E. alabamensis, and 1.2% E. ellipsoidalis). The long-term efficacy was assessed based on Eimeria spp. oocyst excretion by fecal oocyst counts. Three calves from the control group presented diarrhea with blood, which was not observed in animals belonging to the treatment groups. The TZR achieved efficacy greater than 95.0% up to 14 and 7days. This formulation showed efficacy above 95% for 7 to 14days, between 82 and 84% for 21 to 28days and between 50 and 64% for 35 to 42days.

Dietary supplementation of sulfur amino acids improves intestinal immunity to Eimeria in broilers treated with anti-interleukin-10 antibody.

Oral antibody to interleukin-10 (anti-IL-10) enhances the intestinal immune defense against Eimeria. The sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine (M+C) play essential roles in inducing and maintaining protective immune responses during intestinal infections. Hence, increased dietary M+C may support the anti-IL-10-induced intestinal immunity to Eimeria. Broilers (n = 640) were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 levels of each of the 3 main factors: dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) M+C levels (0.6% or 0.8%), dietary anti-IL-10 supplementation (with or without), and coccidiosis challenge (control or challenge). Briefly, the broilers were supplied with either 0.6% or 0.8% SID M+C, each with or without anti-IL-10 (300 μg/kg), from d 10 to 21. On d 14, broilers from each diet were gavaged with either PBS or Eimeria. The resulting Eimeria infection induced fecal oocyst shedding and intestinal lesions. Broilers fed 0.8% SID M+C (main effects, P ≤ 0.05) had decreased feed-to-gain ratio, increased duodenum and cecum luminal anti-Eimeria IgA titers, and decreased fecal oocyst counts, when compared to 0.6% SID M+C. The supplementation of anti-IL-10 (main effects, P ≤ 0.05) increased cecum luminal total IgA concentration and decreased cecum lesions. Interactions (P ≤ 0.05) were detected for growth performance and cecum luminal IFN-γ. Briefly, the highest body weight gain and feed intake were reached in PBS-gavaged broilers fed 0.8% SID M+C with no anti-IL-10 and in Eimeria-challenged broilers fed 0.8% SID M+C with anti-IL-10. In Eimeria-infected broilers, anti-IL-10 increased intestinal luminal IFN-γ and body weight gain only at 0.8% SID M+C. Collectively, anti-IL-10 increased intestinal luminal IFN-γ levels, decreased cecum lesions and restored growth only when fed with adequate amounts of sulfur amino acids. Our findings underscore the importance of providing sufficient essential nutrients to support the anti-IL-10 induced immunity against coccidiosis.

Evaluation of the efficacy of cow colostrum in the treatment and its effect on serum proteomes in calves with cryptosporidiosis

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using high-quality colostrum in addition to paromomycin on the treatment outcomes and serum proteomes of calves naturally affected by cryptosporidiosis. Thirty Holstein calves infected with only Cryptosporidium spp. were divided into three equal groups. Calves in the PC group received paromomycin orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg once daily for 5 days. Calves in PCOL and PBCOL groups received 250 ml colostrum 3 h after feeding twice a day for 3 days. The PBCOL group was also given 6 g of sodium bicarbonate 15 min before colostrum administration. While the fecal scores of all calves were evaluated daily for 10 days from the initiation of the treatment, fecal oocyst counts were determined on the 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10th days. Brix%, total protein (TP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels, and proteomic analyses were performed on the 0 and 3rd days' sera. Considering pretreatment values, fecal scores (8th, 2nd, and 2nd day), and fecal oocyst counts (10th, 3rd, and 2nd day) improved in a significantly (p < 0.05) shorter time in the colostrum groups than in the control group. By serum proteomic analysis, 99, 93, and 83 proteomes were detected in PC, PCOL, and PBCOL groups, respectively. Although the significant changes in any protein in Group PC were absent, significant changes were observed in Alpha-1B-glycoprotein (A1BG), Zinc transporterZIP11 (S39AB), Cathelicidin-1 (CTHL1), Actin_ cytoplasmic-1 (ACTB), and Apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) proteins in Group PCOL and Alpha-1-antiproteinase (A1AT), Serum amyloid A protein (SAA), Actin-cytoplasmic-2 (ACTG), Protein HP-20 homolog (HP20) proteins in Group PBCOL with colostral treatment, which indicated that the use of colostrum had an effect on calf serum proteomes. The more pronounced healing and shorter clinical improvement time in the colostrum groups especially colostrum with sodium bicarbonate revealed that these proteomes have positive effects in the treatment with their systemic and local effects in the intestines.