Faecal Oocyst Counts Research Articles

Administration of spruce bark (Picea abies) extracts in young lambs exhibits anticoccidial effects but reduces milk intake and body weight gain

BackgroundEimeria spp. are widespread apicomplexan parasites known to cause coccidiosis in livestock, resulting in reduced animal welfare and productivity, particularly in sheep. The treatment options are limited, and there is an emerging development of resistance against registered pharmaceuticals. Spruce bark is rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as condensed tannins, which are bioactive compounds previously shown to have antiparasitic activity. Here, we examined the anticoccidial properties of bark extract of Norway spruce (Picea abies) against a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. by treating Eimeria-infected pre-ruminant lambs with water-extracted bark daily for 12 days. We hypothesised that the bark extract would reduce the faecal oocyst excretion and, consequently, the severity of diarrhoea.ResultsOral administration of spruce bark extract significantly reduced the excretion of Eimeria oocysts in milk-fed lambs post treatment till the end of the trial 22 days post infection. This difference in oocyst excretion between the treated and the untreated infected animals increased with time.Compared to the untreated and the sham-infected control group, the group treated with bark extract had softer faeces and reduced milk intake during the treatment period. After discontinuing the treatment, the treated animals got a more solid and formed faeces compared to that of the untreated control group, and the milk intake increased to the level of the sham-infected, untreated control group. The bark extract treated animals had a lower body weight and a lower mean daily body weight gain throughout the whole duration of the experiment.ConclusionsBark extract from Norway spruce showed marked anticoccidial properties by reducing the faecal oocyst count and associated diarrhoea in young lambs. Simultaneously we experienced detrimental effects of the treatment, displayed as reduced feed intake and daily body weight gain. Therefore, we suggest conducting similar studies with lower bark extract dosage to explore the possibilities of a better trade-off to reduce the negative impact while maintaining the antiparasitic effect.

Functionally distinct T-helper cell phenotypes predict resistance to different types of parasites in a wild mammal

The adaptive immune system is critical to an effective response to infection in vertebrates, with T-helper (Th) cells pivotal in orchestrating these responses. In natural populations where co-infections are the norm, different Th responses are likely to play an important role in maintaining host health and fitness, a relationship which remains poorly understood in wild animals. In this study, we characterised variation in functionally distinct Th responses in a wild population of Soay sheep by enumerating cells expressing Th-subset specific transcription factors and quantifying Th-associated cytokines. We tested the prediction that raised Th1 and Th2 responses should predict reduced apicomplexan and helminth parasite burdens, respectively. All measures of Th-associated cytokine production increased with age, while Th17- and regulatory Th-associated cytokine production increased more rapidly with age in males than females. Independent of age, sex, and each other, IL-4 and Gata3 negatively predicted gastro-intestinal nematode faecal egg count, while IFN-γ negatively predicted coccidian faecal oocyst count. Our results provide important support from outside the laboratory that Th1 and Th2 responses predict resistance to different kinds of parasites, and illustrate how harnessing specific reagents and tools from laboratory immunology will illuminate our understanding of host-parasite interactions in the wild.

Longitudinal dynamics of co-infecting gastrointestinal parasites in a wild sheep population.

Within-year variation in infection is a ubiquitous feature of natural populations, but is determined by a complex interplay of environmental, parasitological and host factors. At the same time, co-infection is the norm in the wild. Longitudinal dynamics of co-infecting parasites may therefore be further complicated by covariation across multiple parasites. Here, we used fecal parasite egg and oocyst counts collected repeatedly from individually marked wild Soay sheep to investigate seasonal dynamics of six gastrointestinal parasite groups. Prevalence and abundance tended to be higher in spring and summer, and abundance was higher in lambs compared to adults. We found that within-year variation in highly prevalent strongyle nematode counts was dependent on adult reproductive status, where reproductive ewes had distinct dynamics compared to males and barren ewes. For similarly prevalent coccidia we found an overall peak in oocyst counts in spring but no differences among males, barren and pregnant ewes. Using multivariate mixed-effects models, we further show that apparent positive correlation between strongyle and coccidia counts was driven by short-term within-individual changes in both counts rather than long-term among-individual covariation. Overall, these results demonstrate that seasonality varies across demographic and parasite groups and highlight the value of investigating co-infection dynamics over time.

Supplementing functional amino acids and polyphenols at low dose can restore performance and amino acid digestibility in broilers challenged with coccidiosis

In broiler chickens, commercial intensive practices exacerbate the pressure of gut heath challenges such as coccidiosis. Coccidiosis impairs nutrient digestion, performance, livability of broiler chickens and reduces overall farm profitability. Literature reports that functional amino acids (AA; arginine, threonine, glutamine) and polyphenols could exert beneficial effects in broilers facing this challenge. The current study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of the supplementation of arginine, threonine and glutamine together with grape extract polyphenols (MIX) on performance, AA digestibility and gut morphology in broiler chickens challenged with coccidiosis.Two hundred eighty-eight (288) newly hatched male broiler chicks of commercial strain (Ross 308) were allocated to 3 treatments with 8 replications. For all except one treatment (Uninfected Untreated Control – UUC), birds were artificially challenged with ADVENT® coccidiosis vaccine 10x dose on day 14. Broiler chickens from the two challenged groups received either no supplementation (Infected Untreated Control – IUC) or a mix of arginine, threonine and glutamine together with grape extract polyphenols at a dose of 1 kg/Ton (IUC+MIX) from day 0 to day 35. Performance and livability were followed during the 35 days of the trial. Lesion scoring, duodenum morphology and fecal oocyst count were assessed on day 21. On day 25 nutrient digestibility was measured on a subset of birds. All data were subjected to an ANOVA and differences among means were detected by multiple range tests.During the course of the trial, coccidiosis challenge reduced growth (-3 g/d, P = 0.008) and feed conversion ratio (-3 pts, P = 0.013) without altering feed intake. It also increased total and species related lesion scores and oocyst counts in feces at d 21 (P < 0.0001). The supplementation of the additive mix restored performance to the same level as the UUC treatment but had no effect on lesion scores and fecal oocyst count. Interestingly, the coccidiosis challenge reduced villous height in duodenum (P = 0.016) which translated into lower digestibility of all AA (P < 0.05), except phenylalanine. The addition of the mix mitigated partially the effect of the challenge on digestibility and to a lesser extent on gut morphology. This study reports that the supplementation of a selected combination of functional amino acids and grape extract polyphenols can fully restore performance of coccidiosis-challenged birds with an improvement of AA digestibility. The results of this study suggest that the mode of action of the mix does not rely on a direct effect on lesion scores, oocyst count or gut morphology and still needs to be determined.

The Impact of Tributyrin on Performance and Intestinal Health of Broiler Chickens Post Coccidiosis Vaccination

Coccidiosis is a major intestinal disease affecting broiler chickens. Tributyrin (TB) is a valid alternative to butyrate acid, which was associated with the improvement of performance and attenuation of intestinal inflammation in animal production. However, there are few reports on TB as a prophylactic treatment against coccidiosis in broilers. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of TB supplementation on performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens post coccidiosis vaccination with a mixed-species Eimeria. In the first experiment, 612 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to two treatments with six replicates. Treatments included no TB supplementation and coccidiosis vaccination (CV1), or TB supplementation (400 mg/kg) and coccidiosis vaccination (TBCV1). On day 5, all broilers received a single vaccine dose. Performance, intestinal histopathology, clinical severity, and fecal oocyst counts were evaluated from day 1 to day 63. TB supplementation resulted in a nonsignificant effect on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR), except in increased FI on days 22-42 (P < 0.05). The TBCV1 group had increased (P < 0.05) villi heights in the duodenum and increased (P < 0.05) villi widths in the ileum on day 63 of age and reduced oocyst shedding on days 19-26 compared to CV1(P < 0.05). The route of administration in the second experiment was different from the first experiment in which the seeder birds (half of birds from each pen) received a tenfold dose on day 5. TB supplementation in broilers resulted in increased (P < 0.05) BWG and reduced (P < 0.05) FCR on days 22-42, and increased (P < 0.05) villi heights in the duodenum and increased (P < 0.05) villi widths in the ileum on day 63 of age, as well as a lower frequency (P < 0.05) of intestinal hemorrhage on days 13-62 and reduced (P < 0.001) oocyst shedding on day 5 post-Eimeria challenge. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that TB can be considered as a feed additive for protecting broilers from coccidiosis on days 22-42.

The incidence of necrotic enteritis in turkeys is associated with farm, season and faecal Eimeria oocyst counts

BackgroundSpecific studies on the epidemiology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys are absent in the literature. Necrotic enteritis is common in turkeys and a leading cause of use of therapeutic antibiotics. This study describes the incidence of necrotic enteritis in turkey farms, and the association between incidence and bird age, season, faecal oocyst counts, grow-out size and feed mill.ResultsNecrotic enteritis was diagnosed post mortem in 20.2 % of 545 grow-outs of commercial female and male B.U.T. 10 turkeys started during the years 2010–2016. 80 % of all cases occurred at four to seven weeks of age. Median (minimum-maximum) age at disease detection was 37 (18–115) days. Turkey age at detection was influenced by season, and varied from 33 days among grow-outs hatched in February to 42 days among those hatched in July-August. The incidence also varied with season, showing peak occurrence among grow-outs hatched during February-March and the lowest incidence in turkeys hatched in July-August. 59 % of all cases were detected in 25 % of the farms. The incidence per farm varied from below 4 to 59 %. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model indicated clear impacts of farm and season on incidence, and border-line impacts of grow-out size and feed mill. Grow-outs diagnosed with necrotic enteritis had higher counts of faecal Eimeria oocysts than grow-outs without a diagnosis. This difference was particularly clear during the high-risk period at five to seven weeks of age. Necrotic enteritis was the cause of treatment with therapeutic antibiotics in 88.2 % of all cases of treatment.ConclusionsOur data indicate that necrotic enteritis incidence in turkeys can be substantially influenced by risk factors at farm level. The incidence showed two seasonal peaks; a moderate peak in turkeys hatched in October/November and a marked peak in turkeys hatched during February/March. Mitigation measures at the farm may therefore be of particular importance during these months in farms located in the Northern temperate zone. Measures which effectively reduce counts of faecal Eimeria oocyst are likely to be among the more promising actions to take both at the farm and at population level.

An epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematode and Eimeria coccidia infections in different populations of Kazakh sheep.

This is an epidemiological study on the gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and Eimeria coccidia infections in Kazakh sheep and the F1 and F2 generations of Kazakh × Texel sheep crosses. A total of 7599 sheep fecal samples were collected from the Zhaosu County and Nilka County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in the four seasons-spring, summer, autumn, and winter of 2019. The parasite causing the infection was identified by the saturated saline floating method, and the infection intensity was calculated by the modified McMaster method. SPSS19.0 was used to evaluate the differences in the fecal egg count (FEC) of for GIN and the fecal oocyst count (FOC) value of for coccidia per sample. The results showed that there were nine types of sheep GIN infections and Eimeria coccidia in these two counties of Ililocations, with the dominant parasite species of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp., and Ostertagia spp as the predominant parasites in the sheep. Most of the GIN and coccidia infections in these two regions were mild and moderate. The mean log (FEC) of GIN infection in the Zhaosu area was significantly higher than that in the Nilka area, whereas the mean log (FOC) of coccidia infection in Zhaosu was significantly lower than that of Nilka. The mean log (FEC) of GIN infection in the four seasons was the highest in spring, followed by in summer, then in autumn, and the lowest in winter. The mean log (FOC) of coccidia infection was the highest in spring, followed by in autumn, and was the lowest in summer and winter. The mean log (FEC) of GIN infection and log (FOC) of coccidia infection of Kazakh sheep was significantly higher than the F1 generation, which was then significantly higher than the F2 generation of summer. A positive correlation was found between the EPG and OPG levels in the sheep. These results showed that the GIN and coccidia infection intensities of the F1 generation sheep of Kazakh ×Texel crosses were significantly lower than that of Kazakh sheep paving the way for marker-based resistance selection.

Effect of ‘AU-Grazer’ Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata) from Two Different Sources on Indicators of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Goats

Abstract Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) is considered a low input forage but has potential for improved animal performance with greater inputs. ‘AUGrazer’ SL hay grown under normal (NF; AL farm) or high-fertility (HF; SC farm) conditions were compared to a bermudagrass (BG; GA farm; Cynodon dactylon) hay diet in a 6-week feeding trial. Forty-five naturally parasite infected intact Spanish male goats 8–9 months old were used to investigate effects of NF (n = 15) and HF (n = 13) SL compared to BG hay (n = 13; CON) on indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism. Hay and water were provided free choice. A commercial goat pellet was provided at 1.5% average body weight. Treatments were assigned for similar initial gastrointestinal nematode fecal egg count [FEC; 5029, 4749 and 4456 eggs per gram (EPG) for HF and NF SL and CON goats, respectively]. At the start of the study and then weekly, fecal samples were collected for determination of FEC and coccidia fecal oocyst counts (FOC). Body 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 and FOC, and GLM used for gain data. Both FEC and FOC for NF and HF SL were different from CON at all time points after day 0 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Final EPG were 949, 1411, and 3552 for HF and NF SL and CON goats, a reduction of 73.3% and 60.3% for HF and NF SL animals, respectively. Final OPG were 353, 1092, and 2417, with reductions of 85.4% and 54.8% for HF and NF SL goats, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was impacted by treatment, with HF SL higher (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than both NF SL and CON, which were similar. High-fertility SL improved animal performance while maintaining its anti-parasitic bioactivity.

Status of Eimeria infections of sheep and goat sold at small ruminant markets in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria

Coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria, continues to challenge profitable small ruminant production worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of Eimeria and identify the species infecting sheep and goat sold at small ruminant markets in Lagos State. Fresh faeces were collected from 83 sheep and 51 goats. The faecal samples were grossly examined for their consistency and subjected to salt floatation to detect the presence of Eimeria oocysts. Morphometric measurements of oocysts were taken for species identification. The number of oocysts/ml of faeces were estimated using a haemocytometer. Results revealed that 67 (80.7%) sheep and 34 (66.7%) goats were positive for Eimeria. There was no difference in the prevalence of infection between male and female of both animals (P &gt; 0.05). The difference in infection rates between the breeds of sheep were also insignificant (P &gt; 0.05). Goats with diarrheic stool had higher faecal oocyst counts (20400 oocysts/ml) when compared to those with normal stool (5250 oocysts/ml). E. faurei (41%), E. ovinoidalis (36%) and E. intricata (31%) were the most common of the 11 species infecting sheep in this study. Of the 8 species recovered from goats, E. ninakhloyakimovae (51%) and E. alijevi (39%) were the most frequent. The high incidence of pathogenic Eimeria species detected in the study area poses serious economic risks to stakeholders in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Small ruminant farmers and traders are advised to improve biosecurity and sanitary conditions where livestock are kept.&#x0D; Keywords: Eimeria parasites; coccidiosis; goats; sheep; small ruminant markets; Nigeria.

Comparative evaluation of single or combined anticoccidials on performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal architecture of broiler chickens challenged with mixed Eimeria species

Poultry production faces several threats and challenges, one of the most important of which is avian coccidiosis which causes annual losses exceeding US$ 3 billion. Discovering new drugs or combinations of existing anticoccidials has become inevitable to overcome the emergence of coccidiosis resistance. This study evaluated a new combination of maduramicin and diclazuril in comparison to the well-known product Maxiban72 which consisted of narasin and nicarbazin, and the single effect of monensin as treatments for avian coccidiosis. A total of 750 1-day-old Indian River broiler chicks were allocated equally into 5 experimental groups with 6 replicates each as follows: 1) negative unchallenged control group (NC) fed the basal diet; 2) positive control group (PC) received the basal diet and inoculated with Eimeria; 3) PC + 100 mg monensin sodium (Atomonsin)/kg diet (MS); 4) PC + 5 mg maduramicin ammonium (Madramycin) + 2.5 mg diclazuril (Atozuril)/kg diet (MMD); and 5) PC + 40 mg narasin + 40 mg nicarbazin (MaxibanT72)/kg diet (NN). Anticoccidials improved (P < 0.01) growth performance, dressing (%) and carcass yield of inoculated birds compared to untreated-inoculated ones. Erythrogram and leukogram parameters were affected by Eimeria challenge. Total protein, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels in PC birds' serum were reduced (P < 0.05) while their values of liver enzymes, malondialdehyde and catalase were elevated (P < 0.01) when compared to NC ones. Serum immunoglobulin A, and jejunal gene expressions of interleukin-6 and interferon gamma were increased (P < 0.05) in PC group compared to NC group. Anticoccidial drugs restored values of the aforementioned biomarkers near to those of NC. Jejunal architecture in inoculated birds was improved by the anticoccidial treatments in MS, MMD, and NN. Fecal oocyst counts were significantly reduced in MMD, NN, and MS groups compared to PC group. Conclusively, although all examined anticoccidial drugs were effective in treating Eimeriosis, the anticoccidial combinations in MMD and NN groups were more effective than the single administration of MS in treating avian coccidiosis.

Genetic parameters of animal traits associated with coccidian and nematode parasite load and growth in Scottish Blackface sheep

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a global problem for grazing ruminants which can be addressed in a sustainable way through breeding animals to be more resistant to disease. This study estimates the genetic parameters of common and new disease phenotypes associated with natural nematode and coccidian infection in Scottish Blackface sheep to underpin future genetic improvement strategies for parasite control. Data on faecal egg counts (FEC) from different species of strongyle parasites and faecal oocyst counts (FOC) from coccidian parasites were collected on 3-month-old lambs together with a faecal soiling score in the breech area dagginess (DAG) and live weight (LWT). Faecal count data were obtained for Strongyles (FECS), Nematodirus (FECN) and Coccidia (FOC). Data from 3 731 lambs sampled between 2011 and 2017 were included. Faecal egg counts and DAG records were log-transformed prior to analysis. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Average age at sampling was 92 days with a mean LWT of 24.5 kg. Faecal soiling was not evident in 69% of lambs. Coccidia were the most prevalent parasite (99.5%), while Strongyles and Nematodirus had a prevalence of 95.4% and 72.7%, respectively. Heritability estimates (±SE) were 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.33 ± 0.04 for FECS, FECN, FOC, DAG and LWT, respectively. Strongyles faecal egg count had a strong and positive genetic correlation with FECN (0.74 ± 0.09) and a moderate positive correlation with FOC (0.39 ± 0.15) while DAG was negatively genetically correlated with LWT (−0.33 ± 0.15). The significant positive genetic correlations between FECS, FECN and FOC at 3 months of age show that co-selection of sheep for resistance to these different parasites is feasible. Selection for increased resistance to parasite infection is not expected to adversely affect live BW, as no significant antagonistic genetic correlations were found between LWT and FEC. There were significant antagonistic phenotypic and genetic relationships between DAG and LWT being −0.19 ± 0.02 and −0.33 ± 0.15, respectively, indicating that the expression of the manifestation of disease in lambs may be a more meaningful indicator of the impact of parasite burden on productivity.

Reproductive females and young mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp.) in poor body condition are the main spreaders of gastrointestinal parasites.

Several individual, environmental and parasitic factors can influence the impacts of parasites on host's fitness and on host's ability to transmit these parasites to new hosts. Identifying these factors and the individuals who play a greater role in parasite transmission is of main concern for the development of parasite control strategies. In the present study, we aimed to describe the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the individual factors influencing the faecal spreading of parasites in a free-ranging population of Mediterranean mouflon. From the analysis of 433 faecal samples, we found Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS) were the most common parasites (>94%). The faecal oocyst counts of Eimeria spp. were the highest during the first years of life. It was 1.6 times higher in females than in males and 2.5 times higher in individuals in poor than in good body condition. Similarly, the faecal egg count of GIS was higher in females and decreased with age, but only in males. Finally, reproductive females had GIS faecal egg count values 2.6 times higher than non-reproductive females. Management strategies of parasites should thus primarily focus on reproductive females and young individuals in poor body condition as they represent the main contamination source of the environment.

EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED PORCINE COCCIDIOSIS

Two controlled field experiments in which the performance of groups of pigs were studied following daily exposures to large numbers of mixed sporulated coccidial oocysts are reported. Comparisons between control and principal groups were made on the basis of faecal oocyst counts (OPG) and body weight gains. On the basis of oocyst counts, experimentally in fected principals in both experiments developed substantial oocyst populations which reached a peak on the 9th day of infection and declined steadily. Therefore, environmental controls did not develop oocysts. Controls gained more weight on the average than the infected principals during the experiments. Microscopic examination of intestinal tissue sections from an infected principal that died on day 22 revealed the presence of several large cystic bodies in the mucosa of the caecum and large colon. It is suggested that these structures could be schizonts.

290 Impacts of dietary zinc concentrations on lamb feedlot performance

Abstract The objectives of this study were to identify the impacts of Zn concentrations in lamb grower pellet on lamb feedlot performance and natural coccidia infection in terms of fecal Eimeria oocyst excretion. Rambouillet lambs (n = 33; 43.9 ± 1.0 kg) were used in a 63 d feeding trial to assess the effect of a diet fortified with a combination of ZnSO4 (80%) and Zn amino acid complex (20%; ZnAA; Zinpro Corp.; Eden Prairie, MN, USA) at three different dietary Zn concentrations (treatment, TRT) which met or exceeded current recommendations. These levels included 1×NRC requirements (450 mg/kg grower pellet; 1NRC), 2×NRC requirements (900 mg/kg grower pellet; 2NRC), and 3×NRC requirements (1350 mg/kg grower pellet; 3NRC). Lamb performance characteristics, including body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (gain:feed, G:F), and residual feed intake (RFI), were quantified. Fecal samples were collected every 2 wk to assess coccidia infection status via fecal oocyst counts. Treatment × period (d 0–10, 11–42, 42–63) interactions were identified for DMI (P &amp;lt; 0.001). No main effect of TRT was identified for BW, ADG, G:F, or RFI (P &amp;gt; 0.36), but was for DMI (P = 0.02). Ten Eimeria species were detected and summed for total fecal oocyst count, but focus was on the most pathogenic species (E. ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. crandallis, and E. ovinoidalis). A statistical tendency for the interaction between TRT × day was detected for E. bakuensis and E. ovinoidalis (P ≤ 0.08). Transformed counts of E. bakuensis and E. crandallis were lower for 1NRC compared to 2NRC and 3NRC lambs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results indicate greater dietary Zn concentrations increased DMI and decreased Eimeria oocysts excreted.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Central Part of Myanmar.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants remains one of the major economic losses caused by reduced productivity. A total of 380 faecal samples were taken from 280 sheeps in Magway and Pwintbyu Townships and 100 goats in Natmauk Township, Myanmar. Faecal flotation and sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. The overall occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants was 98.4% (374/380). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep (99.3%) was higher than that in goats (96%). The highest occurrence was found in Eimeria spp. (96%), followed by Trichostrongyle (77.1%), Trichuris spp. (35%), and Moniezia expansa (14%). The mixed infection rate was 84.8% (317/374), while a single infection was 15.2% (57/374). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were ranged from 50 to 600 and 50 to 29,800, respectively. Among the 4 nucleotide sequences isolated, one sequence was 94.10-94.47% similarity with Trichostrongylus colubriformis, reported from Laos, and three sequences showed 96.64-99.46% identity with Haemonchus contortus from Laos, China, India, and Mongolia. As gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants was relatively high in the study area, the development of appropriate treatment and control measures should be provided to reduce production losses.

Quebracho tannins aid in the control of Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs and goat kids

The objective was to examine the effects of supplementary quebracho on control of coccidiosis and gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs and kids. In Exp. 1, naturally infected lambs weaned (87.8 ± 0.4 days of age; day 0) in January (winter) were blocked by sex and randomly assigned (n = 10/treatment) to receive supplement with or without 100 g/lamb of quebracho for 28 days. In Exp. 2, single or twin rearing ewes were randomly assigned into two groups, and naturally infected lambs were fed control (n = 28) or quebracho (100 g/lamb of quebracho tannins in feed; n = 27) between -28 and 21 days (weaning = day 0; 70.8 ± 0.1 days of age). In Exp. 3, weaned doe kids (57.6 ± 2.0 days of age) were randomly assigned to receive alfalfa (Medicago sativa) supplement with (n = 9) or without (n = 8) 50 g/kid quebracho or sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) with quebracho (n = 8) for 21 days. Fecal oocyst count (FOC), nematode egg counts (FEC), fecal score, dag score (soiling around rear quarters), and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were determined every 7 days. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using mixed models. In Exp. 1, FOC decreased in quebracho-fed lambs (diet × time, P < 0.001) but FEC was similar between treatments during the feeding period (P = 0.19). Packed cell volume (P = 0.19) and fecal score (P = 0.42) were similar between groups. Quebracho-fed lambs had a greater dag score initially (diet × time, P = 0.02), but were similar by day 42 (P = 0.72). In Exp. 2, FOC remained low (P = 0.02), PCV tended to decrease (P = 0.06), but FEC increased on days 14 and 21 (diet × time; P < 0.001) in quebracho compared with control-fed lambs. Quebracho-fed lambs had lower fecal score (diet × time; P = 0.005) but higher dag score (diet × time; P < 0.001). In Exp. 3, FOC of kids fed quebracho (alfalfa or sericea lespedeza supplement) was lower than control (P < 0.001). Fecal score of kids fed sericea lespedeza compared with alfalfa were lower regardless of quebracho (P = 0.01). There were no differences among treatments for dag, FEC, PCV, or body weight (P> 0.10). Quebracho was effective in reducing FOC but not clinical signs of coccidiosis in both lambs and kids, and may not be highly digestible in lambs as it caused loose stools.

Effects of bambermycin with amprolium or monensin on beef cattle growth performance, coccidia infection, and bovine respiratory disease morbidity during receiving

ABSTRACT Objective The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of medicated feed additives on performance, health, and coccidia infection in newly received calves classified as high risk for bovine respiratory disease infection. Materials and Methods Growing steers and bulls were received to evaluate the effects of supplying 20 mg/calf bambermycin or 0.77 mg/kg of BW monensin in receiving supplements (20% CP and 78% TDN) compared with a nonmedicated supplement. Fecal samples were collected from 6 steers/pen on d 0, 14, and 28 to evaluate coccidia infection. Water in the bambermycin pens was treated from d 14 to 19 with 10 mg/kg of BW amprolium. Steers remained on treatment for 56 to 84 d for block 1, 49 d for block 2, and 42 d for block 3, depending on availability of wheat forage for subsequent grazing. Results and Discussion There were no differences (P ≤ 0.36) in morbidity, mortality, or animals identified as chronically morbid. Monensin decreased coccidia (P ≤ 0.03) compared with control and bambermycin, which did not differ (P = 0.85). At the end of receiving, BW and ADG for control calves was less than (P ≤ 0.04) for calves receiving bambermycin and monensin. Implications and Applications Monensin or bambermycin can effectively improve BW gain of calves at high risk for bovine respiratory disease. Monensin provides superior control of natural infection of coccidia based on fecal oocyst counts compared with bambermycin. Neither medicated feed additive altered morbidity or mortality due to bovine respiratory disease or treatment response to bovine respiratory disease.

Efficacy of amprolium against coccidiosis of goats in central Kashmir

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of amprolium against Eimeria species of goats in central Kashmir. For this purpose, 30 kids harbouring Eimeria spp. infection (OPG above 6000) were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (Group A and Group B), each comprising of 15 animals. Group A received amprolium@ 100 mg/kg body weight/day orally for 7 days and Group B was kept as untreated infected control. Faecal samples from rectum were directly collected on ‘0’ day before treatment and on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after starting treatment. It was found that the drug was 87.88% effective on 8th day, 91.02% on day 14, 89.53% on day 21st and 92.20% on 28 th day, respectively. Faecal oocyst count was below 1000 in 13 animals of treated group by 28th day of the study period (end of trial).Animals having diarrhoea had normal faeces on 8th day and onwards. Identification of oocysts revealed the presence of E. arlongi, E. caprina, E. christenseni and E. ninakohlyakimovae.

Effects of dietary methionine plus cysteine levels on growth performance and intestinal antibody production in broilers during Eimeria challenge

Research has shown that methionine+ cysteine (M+C) requirements may be higher when chickens are infected with Eimeria app. In a 4 × 2 factorial design, broilers (11 to 21 D) were fed one of 4 corn–soybean meal-based diets containing either 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0% standardized ileal digestible (SID) M+C; on day 14, broilers from each diet were gavaged with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or a commercial coccidiosis vaccine (at 100 × vaccine dose) which provide a mixture of live Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella oocysts. Growth performance was recorded from day 11 to 21. Plasma and intestinal luminal samples were collected on days 14 and 21. Intestine lesion scores and fecal oocyst counts were conducted on day 21. Regardless of dietary SID M+C levels, compared to PBS gavaged broilers, the Eimeria-challenged broilers had (1) decreased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F); (2) increased (P < 0.05) intestinal lesion scores and fecal oocyst counts; (3) increased (P < 0.05) plasma anti-Eimeria IgG, and intestinal luminal total IgA and anti-Eimeria IgA concentrations; and (4) increased (P < 0.05) levels of duodenum luminal gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), as well as jejunum and cecum luminal IFN-γ concentrations. Regardless of Eimeria challenge, when compared to 0.6% SID M+C, broilers fed ≥0.8% SID M+C had (1) increased (P < 0.05) BWG, FI, and G:F and (2) increased (P < 0.05) levels of jejunum luminal total IgA. After Eimeria challenge, broilers fed 0.8% SID M+C had increased (P < 0.05) levels of jejunum luminal anti-Eimeria IgA compared to broilers fed diets containing 0.6 and 1.0% SID M+C. Collectively, in 11- to 21-D broilers, the growth suppression caused by Eimeria infection could not be mitigated by further increasing dietary M+C alone ≥0.8%. Further research should investigate interactions between dietary M+C and other nutrients for support of immune function and growth in pathogen-challenged broilers.

Beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus strains on growth performance and gut health in chickens with mixed coccidiosis infection

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with several Bacillus strains on growth performance, intestinal inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-oxidants and tight junction (TJ) protein mRNA expression in broiler chickens challenged with mixed coccidia infection (oocysts of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina). Ten different Bacillus strains were screened for their beneficial effects on coccidiosis challenge by measuring relative body weight gain (RBWG), lesion score, and total oocyst count. Three out of ten Bacillus strains were evaluated in depth by measuring RBWG, lesion score, total oocyst count, and the gene expression of proinflammatory (IL-6 and IL-8), anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and TGF-β), anti-oxidant (SOD1 and HMOX1), and TJ (JAM2 and occludin) proteins. Our results showed that out of the ten different Bacillus strains, chickens fed with three strains, one Bacillus licheniformis and two Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, showed significantly higher RBWG, lower lesion scores (ceca, jejunum, and duodenum), and lower total fecal oocyst counts compared to non-Bacillus-fed control chickens. Post-coccidia challenge, the RBWG for the Bacillus-fed groups were 95–100 % as opposed to the control birds (70 %) at 6 days post infection (dpi) and 10 dpi. Similarly, the lesion scores for three organs were around 0.8-0.9 for the Bacillus-fed groups as opposed to control birds (lesion score range ∼1.4–2). The total oocyst counts were much lower in the Bacillus-fed group (10–20 folds lesser) than the control group. Furthermore, the Bacillus-fed groups showed differential gene expression at 3 dpi in different tissues, such as caecum, jejunum, and duodenum. Bacillus-fed chickens showed significant pro- and anti-inflammatory responses and higher expression of anti-oxidants and TJ proteins in the ceca, duodenum, and jejunum. Overall, our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Bacillus strains as direct-fed microbials (DFM) significantly improved the body weight gain after mixed coccidia challenge compared to non-Bacillus-fed and coccidia challenged control group. In conclusion, the results of this study are promising and indicate the many beneficial effects of DFM-supplementation in poultry diets to reduce the negative consequences of enteric diseases and to decrease economic losses imposed by coccidia infection in chickens.