Gastrointestinal Nematodes Of Goats Research Articles

58 United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study: Distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes

Abstract One objective of the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System Goat 2019 study was to describe practices producers use to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and reduce anthelmintic resistance through the examination of anthelmintic treatment efficacy via fecal egg count reduction tests and fecal cultures. The fecal cultures were used to determine what GIN were present across the areas of the US included in the study (September 2019-April 2020). Bulk cultures were processed from 318 operations in 24 states and results were consolidated into 4 regions: Northwest (3 states, 34 operations), Northeast (9 states, 89 operations), Southeast (9 states, 132 operations) and Southwest (3 states, 63 operations). GIN identification included Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomumand Nematodirus. In addition to GIN, lungworm presence was also noted. Haemonchus were found on 18.6% of the operations (Northwest, 27.0%; Northeast, 13.1%; Southeast, 15.9% and Southwest, 29.2%). Trichostrongylus were found on 97.2% of the operations (Northwest, 100%; Northeast, 98%; Southeast, 97.0% and Southwest, 95.7%). Teladorsagia were found on 80.3% of the operations (Northwest, 97.1%; Northeast, 71.6%; Southeast, 88.6% and Southwest (75.7%). Oesophagostomum were found on 38.2% of the operations (Northwest, 73.1%; Northeast, 39.6%, Southeast, 46.4% and Southwest, 15.5%). Nematodiruswere found on 7% of the operations (Northwest, 7%; Northeast, 5.2%, Southeast, 20.8% and Southwest, 0%). Lungworms were found on 35.4% of the operations (Northwest, 69.1%; Northeast, 52.2%, Southeast, 33.4% and Southwest, 8.3%). Due to sampling logistics, fecal collection was conducted during autumn through early spring which may have influenced number of more pathogenic GIN. This study provided valuable insight into regional prevalence of GIN in goats. In depth analyses continues and will be forthcoming.

84 Efficacy of Livamol with BioWorma for controlling gastrointestinal nematode in nursing Kiko does raised in pastures

Abstract Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has become a critical issue because of nematode resistance to anthelmintics available in the market. Livamol with BioWorma (hereafter BioWorma), a biological product containing spores of Duddingtonia flagrans, is known to trap GIN larvae and reduce the chance of re-infection in artificially-infested animals. However, the efficacy of this product is not known in pasture-raised nursing does acquiring natural challenges of GIN through contaminated pastures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BioWorma for controlling GIN in pasture-raised nursing does. The study was conducted for 120 d (March-August 2023). Sixteen nursing Kiko Does and kids (n = 30) were divided into two uniform groups. Each group of animals was assigned to separate sets of grazing plots and rotationally stocked in those plots throughout the study. Animals had free access to clean drinking water, shelters, and mineral mix in each plot. BioWorma at the rate of 1g/d/kg of animal body weight (BW) was fed to one group of animals. BioWorma was mixed with 0.227 kg of whole corn before feeding. Another group (control) was provided with an equivalent amount of corn without BioWorma. Additionally, both groups were supplemented with whole corn at the rate of 0.5% BW. Animal performance data [BW, body condition score (BCS), and FAMACHA score] and fecal samples were taken on d 1, every week during the study, and the last day of the study. Fecal samples were analyzed to determine the egg per gram (EPG). Blood samples were taken on the first day of the study, then every month during the study, and on the last day of the study. Blood samples were analyzed in ProCyte Dx Analyzer for hematological parameters (RBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocytes, basophil, and platelets) and in Catalyst Dx for biochemical parameters (glucose, creatine, blood urea nitrogen, Ca, P, Na, Cl, and other parameters). Animal performance and blood profile data were analyzed using the GLM procedure and EPG data using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test in SAS 9.4. Overall, the treatment group had less EPG (35%; P < 0.05) than the control group. However, the consistent trend of BioWorma reducing EPG was not found when data were analyzed for each observation date. BioWorma had no significant impact on BW, FAMACHA score, BCS, and blood parameters. Results showed that BioWorma was able to reduce the overall GIN EPG in nursing Kiko does raised in pastures. Long-term research on the efficacy of BioWorma in controlling GIN in goats will reveal more useful information.

Concurrent Infection of Oesophagostomum species in a Slaughtered Goat: A Case Report

The morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats made them one of the most significant parasites in the world, causing huge economic loss for farmers. It has been reported that the economic loss due to gastrointestinal parasitism was Rs. 372.35 per goat annually. In the present study, the intestinal sample was collected from a local slaughter house at Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, for screening the gastrointestinal nematodes. Initially, the pathological lesions like nodules, cyst and haemorrhagic patches etc. were examined for any parasitic infection. The found worms in the intestinal content were subjected for microscopic examination for the identification of the nematode and identified them as Oesophagostomum spp. based on buccal capsule with cephalic and cervical structures. Interestingly, both Oesophagostomum columbianum and O. asperum species were found in the same sample. The male and female Oesophagostomum species were also differentiated by examining the spicule and gubernacular length, position of the vulva and anus. This study reports the infection of Oesophagostomum spp. in a goat and the first case report of concurrent infection of O. columbianum and O. asperum in the Bareilly region of Uttar Pradesh.

Gastrointestinal nematodiasis of goats in Somali pastoral areas, Ethiopia

Livestock, mainly goats, are crucial for animal protein, household income, economic security, and wealth creation in the pastoral areas of eastern Ethiopia. However, gastrointestinal parasitosis poses a substantial challenge in this sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gursum district of the Somali region, Ethiopia, to investigate the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and their associated risk factors. A total of 384 goat fecal samples were collected and examined using flotation and McMaster egg counting techniques for GIT nematodes. Coprological cultures have also been conducted for nematode identification. Fecal samples showed an overall parasite prevalence of 54.17%, with identified nematodes including Haemonchus (24%), Strongyloides (10.4%), Trichostrongles (6.5%), Nematodirus (6%), Oesophagostomum (5.5%) and Trichuris (1.87%). Older and poor body condition animals had higher chances of hosting nematodes than younger (OR = 0.245; CI = 0.144–0.417) and good body condition animals (OR = 0.069; CI = 0.030–0.157), according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Quantitative examination of eggs revealed light 75(36.06%), moderate 99(47.60%), and heavy infection (n = 34, 16.35%). Analysis of the different study variables indicated that the age and body condition of the animals and the season of the year had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of GIT nematode infections (P-value <0.05). The high prevalence and intensity of GIT nematodiasis in goats from the study area warrants immediate attention and the implementation of strategic control and prevention measures.

In Vitro Evaluations and Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Commercial Products Containing Condensed Tannins and of Saifoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Hay against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Goats.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) is a limiting health factor for dairy goats, and the integration of the diet with fodder containing condensed tannins (CT) is becoming increasingly important to control GINs. To preliminary evaluate their potential role as part of GIN control in goat breeding, the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the CTs of Silvafeed BYPRO (SBP), Silvafeed Q powder (SQ), and sainfoin hay (SH) was evaluated, and the untargeted metabolomics profiling of the selected formulations was performed. CTs were extracted in water and in ethanol, their concentration was determined, and their chemical characterization was conducted using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) platform. The in vitro anthelmintic activity of the extracts was evaluated using the Eggs Hatch Test (EHT) and the Larval Migration Inhibition Test (LMIT) using different extract concentrations (150, 300, 600, and 1200 μg/mL). The metabolomic profile of the ethanol extract showed a high number of flavonoids, while the water extract showed higher levels of hydrolysable tannins. The ethanol extracts were effective on both eggs hatching and larvae migration at low concentrations (150 μg/mL) for the three analyzed samples, while the water extracts showed more varied results: SH showed the greatest ovicidal efficacy (concentration 150 μg/mL, %IH = 40.9), while SBP and SQ were more effective against the larvae migration (concentration 600 μg/mL, %LMI = 69.7% and 88%), respectively. The integration of CT-rich fodder into the diet may be considered for the control of GIN infection in goats.

Effect of combined crude plant extracts on sheep and goat gastrointestinal nematodes in vitro

Objective: We assessed the combined crude plant extract (CPE) effects of Allium cepa, Ananas comosus, Bidens pilosa, Carica papaya, Nicotiana tabacum, Vernonia amygdalina, Zingiber officinale, and Aloe vanbalenii on sheep and goat gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in vitro. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from naturally GIN-infected sheep and goats were incubated with L3 larvae and then treated with CPE combinations. The treated L3 was separated and counted under a light microscope to determine the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the combined CPEs. Interactions between combined CPEs were calculated using Webb’s fractional product (WFPM) and simple (SM) methods. Results: Animal species showed the same CPE efficacy on GINs (p &gt; 0.05). CPE combinations, however, showed 80%–100% effective action against sheep or goat GINs. Whereas SM alone produced synergistic interactions, WFPM produced antagonistic and synergistic interactions. The most effective combination for goats was V. amygdalina + Z. officinale (100%), whereas the most effective combinations for sheep were A. cepa + C. papaya (100%), V. amygdalina + Z. officinale (100%), and A. comosus + N. tabacum (100%). Goats had a lower CPE combined efficacy (89.16% ± 0.95%) than sheep (95.45% ± 0.95%) (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Combined CPEs that were effective in the current study should be studied in vivo.

In vivo anthelmintic activity of Eleusine indica extracts against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats.

The study aimed to determine the potential anthelmintic activity of the ethyl acetate extract of Eleusine indica that will result in an effective reduction in fecal egg per gram (EPG) counts in naturally infected goats compared to the commercial anthelmintic levamisole. The experimental animals were 21 goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The goats were divided into groups that were given a single dose of E. indica extract. Five concentrations of E. indica were tested for anthelmintic activity: 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg extract/kg body weight. Fecal sample collection was done before treatment, during the first treatment, and every week thereafter for 28 days post-treatment (dpt). A modified McMaster technique was used to determine the EPG of feces, and the mean efficacies of the extracts were compared with those of the commercial anthelmintic levamisole. As early as 7 dpt, there was an observed reduction in the epg counts after the administration of E. indica extracts across all concentrations. Administering 500 mg of extract/kg body weight resulted in a maximum efficacy of 56.21%. However, the efficacy achieved was lower than that of levamisole (96.83%). The results show that the E. indica extract can reduce the fecal EPG counts of naturally infected goats, thus creating a potential natural anthelmintic that can be developed further.

Anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo review anthelmintic resistance globally in goats including the effect of location, mode of application and dosage on anthelmintic efficacy (assessed using Faecal Egg Count Reduction). Specifically, resistance of the three major classes of anthelmintics – Benzimidazole and Probenzimidazole (BP); Anti-cholinergics (AC); and Macrocyclic Lactone (ML) was investigated. Design/procedureA PRISMA Framework was followed in order to conduct a thorough assessment of the literature on anthelmintic resistance in goats. A single factor ANOVA test was conducted in Microsoft Excel (2009) to test for the significance of the effect of location, mode of application and dosage on resistance. Three meta-analyses were also conducted in Microsoft Excel (2009) to quantify global resistance levels of the three major anthelmintic classes. ResultsOf the 461 publications screened, 105 studies were included in the systematic review and 101 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Anthelmintic class as well as anthelmintic active principle selection in the BP and ML classes did have a significant effect on resistance (p < 0.05). Combination treatment groups had a lower amount of resistance than groups where anthelmintic classes were used alone. Mode of application of the treatment had a significant effect on resistance (p < 0.05), whilst the correlation of dosage with efficacy was low (r < 0.1). The effect of location (by continent) also had a significant influence on resistance for the AC anthelmintic class (p < 0.05). All GIN species assessed with the exception of Chabertia spp. exhibited anthelmintic resistance. ConclusionsAnthelmintic resistance is a substantial global issue in the goat industry. More research needs to be conducted into anthelmintic resistance in regard to effective ways to use anthelmintics and minimise resistance.

In vitro Anthelmintic Efficacy of Nano-encapsulated Bromelain against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Goats in Kenya

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) significantly affect goats’ productivity, and thus farmers carry out regular deworming to manage the infections. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance and the high cost of current drugs call for the development of alternatives, including medicinal plant extracts. The current study aimed to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of chitosan encapsulated bromelain (EB) against a selected range of GIN affecting goats in Kenya. Bromelain was extracted using standard laboratory methods from peels of ripe pineapples and thereafter encapsulated with chitosan. The GIN eggs were isolated from goat feces using the flotation method and were then subjected to PCR to identify the species. Adult worms were collected from the gastrointestinal tract of goats slaughtered at the nearby Ruiru abattoir. The PCR showed the extracted strongyle eggs consisted of 7 species of nematodes, including Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum spp., Nematodirus filicollis, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Trichostrongylus axei. The in vitro assays showed that chitosan EB had an IC50 of 0.184 mg/mL, 0.116 mg/mL, and 0.141 mg/mL for the egg hatch inhibition, larval, and adult mortality assays, respectively. In all the assays, EB indicated better activity than non-encapsulated bromelain. The EB affected the eggs and worms through softening and embrittling the cuticle and shell as well as damaging the blastomeres and causing the death of the growing embryo. According to the results of the current study, EB has high anthelmintic activity on a large range of GIN and has the potential to contribute to the management of these parasites of small ruminants.

Anthelmintic resistance status of goat gastrointestinal nematodes in Sing Buri Province, Thailand.

Background and Aim:Promotions of goat farming by both public and private sectors encouraged considerable goat raising in central Thailand. Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infection is a major health and economic problem; however, evidence of resistance to broad-spectrum anthelmintics is frequently reported. Investigation of anthelmintic resistance (AR) status and identification of factors related to the development of AR is important components for sustainable GIN control. However, no information is available on this topic in the study area. The present study aimed to gather information on GIN control practices and to evaluate the effectiveness of albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole for treating GIN infestation in goat herds in Sing Buri Province.Materials and Methods:Twenty-nine herds were randomly selected. Information on management practices was collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Three field experiments for routinely used anthelmintics, including albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole were conducted from June 2019 to November 2019. Fecal samples were collected pre- and post-treatment and examined for fecal egg count reduction to determine the status of anthelmintic resistance of goat GIN.Results:Several improper practices were identified that lead to AR, especially chronic use of albendazole and ivermectin. All herds were considered resistant to albendazole and ivermectin, and levamisole resistant nematodes were detected in two herds. AR was strongly linked with the continuous use of anthelmintics.Conclusion:Levamisole, which was still effective in the province, should be used with caution to minimize the selection of resistant strains. Farmers should be provided with updated information for sustainable parasite control. Further, the efficacy of anthelmintics should be routinely monitored.

First Report of Anthelmintic Resistance in Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats in Romania.

Simple SummaryAnthelmintic resistance (AR) is a serious threat to animal health and has a major economic impact worldwide due to production and financial losses. Currently, there are three classes of anthelmintics most commonly used in small ruminants: the benzimidazoles (BZs), macrocyclic lactones (MLs) and cholinergic agonists (especially levamisole; LEV). The widespread use of those products has led to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite strains. In the present study, we describe for the first time a case of resistance to anthelmintics in goats in Romania. Resistance was detected and confirmed for two chemical groups of anthelmintics (MLs and BZs) by in vivo faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and in vitro methods: the egg hatch test (EHT) and larval development test (LDT). Considering the increasing prevalence of AR in goat herds in Europe and around the globe, we believe that the findings of our study on AR in goats in Romania do not represent a singular event and could hence be just the noticeable part of a much wider issue.Currently, there are three classes of anthelmintics most commonly used in small ruminants: the benzimidazoles (BZs), macrocyclic lactones (MLs) and cholinergic agonists (especially levamisole; LEV). The widespread use of those products has led to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite strains which represents a serious threat to the livestock industry. In the present study, we describe for the first time a case of resistance to anthelmintics in goats in Romania. The study was carried out in 2021 in a dairy goat herd from the Transylvania region. Two types of diagnostic methods were used to confirm anthelmintic resistance (AR). First, the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), an in vivo AR diagnostic method, was used to evaluate the efficacy of eprinomectin (EPM). The results of this test were analysed applying two different calculative methods that are used only in treated animals (without the control group). Furthermore, two in vitro methods were used: the egg hatch test (EHT) for the detection of resistance to BZs, and the larval development test (LDT) for detection of resistance to all three classes of anthelmintics. The results of FECRT indicate the resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) to EPM in both calculative methods (FECR1 = −88% and FECR2 = −202%). In addition, the results obtained for ivermectin aglycone (IVM-AG) in LDT also indicate resistance to drugs from MLs group, especially avermectins. Similarly, the results of in vitro methods (EHT and LDT) indicate resistance to BZs in this herd. LEV was the only drug that stopped the development of L3 larvae 100% (LDT). H. contortus was the only nematode species found in coproculture after EPM treatment. Furthermore, H. contotus L3 larvae was the only species found in the wells with the highest concentrations of thiabendazole (TBZ) and IVM-AG in LDT. This suggests that resistance to both BZs and MLs was present for that species.

In vitro anthelmintic evaluation of three alkaloids against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats

This study assessed the in vitro anthelmintic activity of the alkaloids berberine, harmaline and piperine on gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of goat and their possible cytotoxic effects in Vero cells. The anthelmintic evaluation was performed using the egg hatch (EHA) and larval motility (LMA) assays. Cytotoxicity was determined using the 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The alkaloids berberine and piperine inhibited the hatching of GIN eggs in more than 90 %. Piperine was the most active compound against goat GIN eggs with an EC50 (effective concentration 50 %) of 0.0074 mM (0.0021 mg/mL), while the EC50 of berberine was 1.32 mM (0.49 mg/mL). Harmaline (EC50 = 1.6 mM – 0.34 mg/mL) showed moderate ovicidal action (80.30 %). In LMA, piperine and harmaline reduced larval motility in 2.75 and 25.29 %, respectively. Larvicidal efficacy was evidenced only with the alkaloid berberine, which showed a percentage of inhibition of larval motility of 98.17 % (2.69 mM =1.0 mg/mL). In the MTT assay, all alkaloids showed low toxicity to Vero cells, with a percentage of cell viability greater than 50 % in all concentrations tested. These results suggest that berberine and piperine have anthelmintic potential on goat gastrointestinal nematodes with low toxicity to mammalian cells.

In vitro efficacy of plant extracts against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.

Farmers use plant extracts as a potential source of anthelmintic compounds against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. The objective of the study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous (cold and boiled) and methanolic extracts of Cissus quadrangularis Linn., Aloe marlothii A. Berger, Albizia anthelmintica Brongn., Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl., Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst, and Vachellia xanthophloea (Benth.) P.J.H. Hurter plants against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Plants were used in two forms: dry and fresh. Decoction (boiled water), infusion (cold water), and methanolic extracts at concentrations of 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40% v/v were tested in vitro on mortality of L3 nematodes. Linear relationships were observed between larvae mortality and extract concentration of the boiled fresh form of C. rotundifolia (P < 0.01), fresh form of cold-water of A. marlothii (P < 0.05), fresh form of cold-water and methanolic C. quadrangularis (P < 0.01), dry form of cold-water and methanolic S. birrea (P < 0.0001), and dry form of cold-water and fresh form of methanolic V. xanthophloea (P < 0.05). Quadratic relationships were observed between larvae mortality and extract concentration of the fresh form of methanolic C. rotundifolia (P < 0.05), fresh form of methanolic A. anthelmintica (P < 0.01), the fresh form of methanol and the dry form of boiled A. marlothii (P < 0.001), fresh form of methanolic (P < 0.05) and dry form of boiled S. birrea (P < 0.01), fresh form of cold and boiled water of V. xanthophloea (P < 0.0001), and dry form of boiled water and methanolic V. xanthophloea (P < 0.05). The crude plant extracts of C. quadrangularis, A. marlothii, A. anthelmintica, C. rotundifolia, S. birrea, and V. xanthophloea could be considered as an integrated approach to achieve sustainable nematode control in goats.

Factors Affecting Utilisation of Indigenous Knowledge to Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats

Adoption and utilisation of indigenous knowledge (IK) is declining. The objective of the current study was to determine differences in the extent of use of IK to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in goats between wet and dry environments. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Almost all households used IK in controlling parasites. There was a close association among environment, gender, and religion (p &lt; 0.05) on IK use. Farmers who were less poor were 2.38 times more likely to use IK (p &gt; 0.05) than farmers that were poor. Adults were 1.20 more likely to use IK (p &lt; 0.05) than younger people. Unemployed farmers were 4.26 more likely to use IK compared to their employed counter parts (p &lt; 0.01). Having a herbalist in the community was 3.6 times more likely to influence the use of IK (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the environment in which there was no herbalist. Farmers that received informal education in the dry environment were 5.88 times more likely to use IK (p &lt; 0.05) than those in the wet environment. Farmers who practised traditional Zulu culture were 2.05 times more likely to use IK compared to those following the Christian faith (p &lt; 0.05). The considerable variation in the adoption of IK suggests that intervention strategies that advance IK use should consider the socio-demographic information of the community.

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in Polish goat herds assessed by the larval development test

BackgroundHelminthic infections, in particular those caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), are found worldwide and are among the most economically important diseases of goats. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in GIN of goats is currently present worldwide, and single- or multidrug resistant species are widespread. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AR to benzimidazoles (BZ), macrocyclic lactones (ML) and imidazothiazoles represented by levamisole (LEV) in the Polish goat herds by using an in vitro larval development test, which is useful especially in large-scale epidemiological surveys.ResultsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019 and enrolled 42 dairy goat herds scattered over the entire country. The most commonly used anthelmintic class in goat herds in Poland were BZ (92%), followed by ML (85%) and LEV (13%). BZ-resistant GIN populations were found in 37 herds (88%, CI 95%: 75 to 95%), ML-resistant GIN populations in 40 herds (95%, CI 95, 84 to 99%), and LEV-resistant GIN populations in 5 herds (12%, CI 95%: 5 to 25%). Multidrug resistance involving all three anthelmintic classes was found in 5 herds (12%, CI 95, 5 to 25%). Based on the morphological features of stage 3 larvae the main resistant GIN turned out to be Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. The use of BZ and frequency of anthelmintic treatments were significantly related to the presence of AR to BZ in Polish goat herds.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study demonstrates the existence of AR to BZ, ML and LEV on Polish goat farms. Resistance to BZ and ML is widespread, while AR to LEV is currently at a low level. A considerable proportion of herds harbours multidrug resistant GIN, which requires further consideration. An effective anthelmintic treatment strategy, reasonable preventive measures and better understanding of the resistance-related management practices by farmers and veterinarians may delay further development of AR.

Efficacy of plant extract based feed-block as anthelmintics against gastro-intestinal nematodes of goats in Assam

Crude powder extracts of Andrographis paniculata and Azadirachta indica each with concentrations @ 50 gm and 75 g were incorporated in mineral supplemented feed blocks to study the anthelmintic efficacy of these blocks against gastro-intestinal nematodes in goat and compared to fenbendazole incorporated @ 5 mg/kg b.wt. feed blocks. Detection of anthelmintic efficacy was done by FECRT using modified Mc Master method. Feed block containing A. indica showed efficacy of 97.75% @ 75 g concentration on 7th day and with A. paniculata, efficacy was 92.10% on 14th day @50 g concentration.

Prevalence, Intensity and Identification of Gastro Intestinal Nematodes of Urban Goats in Arbaminch, Southern Ethiopia

The cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to May, 2020 in Arbaminch city with the aim of estimation of the prevalence of GIT nematode infection and assesses the level of infection in goats at Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia. Totally 384 pellets were taken from goats, and coprological examination by fecal floatation technique and McMaster egg counting was done. From the total examined goats, 226 (58.9%) of them found positive for one or more GIT nematode infection. Based on the morphology of the nematode eggs the following GIT nematodes were identified: <i>Strongyle </i>type (77.876%), <i>Trichuris </i>spp. (7.08%) and <i>Nematodirus</i> spp. (3.982%) whereas 11.1% mixed infestation. Furthermore, the overall mean EPG was 662.2. The mean EPG and proportion of light, moderate and heavy infection level was 294.4 (51.3%), 926.7 (32.3%) and 1293.2 (16.4%), respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of GIT nematode infection among age group and sex (p >0.05), but there was statistical difference in body condition (p <0.05). The prevalence of GIT nematodes infection in goat was significantly greater in poor body condition and medium body condition than good body condition of goats. The result of this study revealed higher prevalence of GIT nematode infection, and presence of various genera in the study area. Hence, more study is necessary to identify the species of nematodes dominant in the area, and strategic deworming of goats with broad spectrum anthelmintic is recommended to reduce the prevalence the parasites.<sub>

Efficacy of “Worm-X” Herbal Formulation against Naturally Infected Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats of Banaskantha District, Gujarat

Background: Gastrointestinal nematodosis is a major constraint in economic livestock production. Mostly synthetic anthelmintics are being used to overcome this problem. Besides synthetic anthelmintics, some plants have shown variable anthelmintic properties. Methods: Sixty goats infected with GI nematodes having 1500 EPG were selected and animals were divided into four groups T1 to T4 of 15 animals in each group. Group T1 was given two doses of fenbendazole @ 10 mg/kg BW per os at 15 days interval. In group T2, T3 and T4 herbal formulation “Worm-X” was given @ 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg BW orally respectively, at 15 days interval. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of percentage reduction in EPG count and the FECRT was conducted as per guidelines of WAAVP. Result: When FECR was compared 15 days post treatment, maximum reduction (77.25%) was observed in group T1 followed by group T2 (47.27%), T3 (70.19%), and T4 (72.01%). The reduction in FEC in groupT3 (70.19%) and T4 (72.01%) at 15 days post treatment and at 30 days post treatment were 87.75 and 89.32%, respectively were almost equal. Considering the cost effectiveness and WAAVP recommendations, it will be optimum to administer the drug at the rate of 1.0 ml/kg body weight in two dosages at 15-day interval. However, it is well known that now a day’s modern anthelmintic drug efficacy has been reduced in many cases due to the development of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, complementary or alternative solutions to the conventional chemical treatments have been implied offering novel approaches to the sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.

Assessment of in vitro anthelmintic activity and bio-guided chemical analysis of BRS Boyrá pineapple leaf extracts

Species of the Bromeliaceae are known for their pharmacological actions, including anthelmintic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of extracts and fractions of BRS Boyrá pineapple leaf against the eggs and infective larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes (Trichostrongylidae) of goats and to identify the compounds involved in this activity. Crude methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and residual hydromethanol extracts were investigated by quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. The extracts were submitted to chromatographic methods for substance isolation and spectrometric techniques to identify their structures. The anthelmintic activity was performed by in vitro assays with eggs and larvae of nematodes obtained from naturally infected donor goats. All extracts contained phenolic (2.22–14.12 g of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry extract) and flavonoid compounds (0.13–1.45 g of quercetin equivalent per 100 g of dry extract). Bio-guided fractionation of the BRS Boyrá pineapple leaves showed high antioxidant activity (EC50 for DPPH of 2.16–21.38 mg mL−1 and inhibition of co-oxidation of β-carotene of 36.40–74.86%) and anthelmintic activity (15.69–100% inhibition of egg hatching). The ethyl acetate extract exhibited greatest activity in all assays. Through chromatographic column analysis it was possible to isolate three substances: β-sitosterol and stigmasterol mixture in dichloromethane and hexane extracts, identified by NMR and p-coumaric acid in the ethyl acetate extract, identified by HPLC-DAD. The isolated p-coumaric acid exhibited high ovicidal effect against goat gastrointestinal nematodes (IC50: 0.12 mg mL−1) and can be considered the active substance of the ethyl acetate extract. This study revealed for the first time that the pineapple BRS Boyrá possesses inhibitory activity against gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp. and Trichostrongylus spp.), and that p-coumaric acid is an important bioactive.

Attitudes and practices of resource-limited farmers on the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats foraging in grasslands and forestlands.

Gastrointestinal nematode infestations remain one of the main constraints to goat productivity. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the perceptions of goat farmers on the infestation and control of gastrointestinal nematode infestation. A total of 282 goat farmers from two villages of Mbizana local municipality in Alfred Nzo district were interviewed. Higher prevalence of diseases, parasites and feed availability were among the major constraints to goat productivity. Gastrointestinal parasites were ranked as the major constraint by farmers in the grassland than those in the forestland. Ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that farmers in the grassland were 3.2 times more likely to experience gastrointestinal nematode infestation than those in the forestland (P < 0.05). On both vegetation types, tethered goats were perceived to have higher (P < 0.05) GIN infestation compared with free browsing goats. Poor farmers were 3.1 times more (P < 0.05) likely to experience high GIN infestation compared with less poor farmers. Farmers in the grassland were 2.1 times more likely to control GI nematode infestation than to those in the forestland (P < 0.05). Intervention strategies to control gastrointestinal nematodes should mainly target farmers from the grassland vegetation since they experience higher infestation rates of gastrointestinal nematodes.