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Gayrard C, Bretaudeau A, Gombault P, Hoste H, Gidenne TN. Use of dehydrated sainfoin in rabbit feeding. Effects of a moderate dietary incorporation on performance and health of does and growing rabbits under an optimal farming environment. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2023.17734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of a moderate incorporation of dehydrated sainfoin Perly cultivar (DS) in rabbit feeds on the performance and health of reproductive and growing rabbits were analysed over two consecutive reproductive cycles in a professional breeding environment. Two groups of 192 does and associated litters were fed isonutritive feeds containing either 0 or 13% dehydrated sainfoin (respectively C (control) vs. S (“sainfoin”) groups) in replacement mainly of dehydrated alfalfa. Growing rabbit feeds C and S included 0 and 15.6% safoin, respectively. Doe live weight, number of live rabbits at birth and stillborn rate were not affected by dietary DS incorporation. In cycle 1, fertility rate was 10% higher for the S-group, but was similar among the groups in the 2nd cycle (significant interaction). Incorporation of DS had no impact on kit growth before weaning, but improved the post-weaning growth rate by 6% (P<0.001) and the feed conversion ratio by 7%. Dietary DS incorporation had no effect on doe mortality, which was very low (<2%, P=0.07). Doe culling was half lower with sainfoin incorporation in cycle 1 (25% in group C vs. 12% in group S; P<0.05). In cycle 2, doe culling rate was low (3.2%) and similar among diets (significant interaction between diet and cycle effects). Pre-weaning mortality of kits was low and slightly higher for S-group (1.1 vs. 1.5%). Post-weaning mortality was also low and was reduced with sainfoin dietary incorporation (3.0 vs. 1.8%; P<0.001). A moderate incorporation of dehydrated sainfoin can be recommended for growing rabbits and for reproducing does feeds.
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Gayrard C, Bretaudeau A, Gombault P, Hoste H, Gidenne T. Feed incorporation of dehydrated sainfoin: effects on health and performances of does and growing rabbits. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2022.16874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The performance and health of does and growing rabbits were compared over three consecutive reproductive cycles for three groups of 20 nulliparous does and their litters (DS0, DS13, DS26) fed isonutritive feeds containing 0, 13 or 26% dehydrated sainfoin (DS, Perly cultivar). Feed intake, live weight and fertility of does were not affected by DS feed incorporation. The number of live kits at birth increased linearly with increasing DS incorporation (+1.5 from DS0 to DS26, P=0.042) and the stillborn rate tended to linearly decrease in groups fed DS (16.6 vs. 10.4%, P=0.086). Increasing the level of DS in feeds had no impact on the growth of the kits before weaning, but led to a linear reduction in the post-weaning growth rate (P<0.01, –2 for 26% DS), whereas the feed conversion ratio increased linearly with DS incorporation (P<0.01, 2.91 vs. 2.98, resp. for DS0 and DS26). No effect of DS feed incorporation was detectable on doe and kit mortality rates. Excretion of coccidia by both does and growing rabbits was not affected by DS incorporation. For 70 d old rabbits, the levels of immunoglobulins A and G and of white blood cells were not significantly different between groups and high levels of IgG (average: 8.1 mg/mL) were recorded, suggesting a coccidia infestation. Overall doe mortality remained under 5% and was not affected by the reproductive cycle (P=0.24). The stillborn rate decreased from 18 to 6%, (P<0.01) from cycle 1 to 2, and the number of live rabbits at birth increased from 8.0 to 10.7 (P<0.01). Kit mortality remained low before weaning (under 2.5%), and very low after weaning (<1%). Excretion of coccidia by does decreased from cycle 1 to cycle 3, whereas excretions by growing rabbits remained stable.
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Efficacy of Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore Fig) Extract on Intestinal Coccidiosis in Experimentally Infected Rabbits. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060917. [PMID: 35743948 PMCID: PMC9227150 DOI: 10.3390/life12060917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the Ficus sycomorus extract on Eimeria intestinalis in experimentally infected rabbits. For this purpose, forty male 30-day-old rabbits (Blanc de Bouscat) were divided into four groups (n = 10 in each group). Rabbits kept in the first group served as negative control (non-treated-non-infected). Rabbits kept in the second, third, and fourth groups were challenged at 10 weeks old with 3 × 104E. intestinalis sporulated oocysts. The third and fourth groups were treated orally with diclazuril 10% (0.05 mg/kg body weight) and F. sycomorus (100 mg/Kg) for three consecutive days, respectively. The efficacy was assessed based on the growth performance parameters, clinical symptoms, oocyst shedding, histopathological findings, and hematological parameters for 16 days post challenge. The study revealed that rabbits treated with F. sycomorus methanolic extract and diclazuril showed mild clinical symptoms with a significant decrease in oocyst shedding compared with the positive control. Moreover, the diclazuril-treated group showed the highest leukocytic count and the lowest monocytes percentage compared with other groups. Furthermore, the lowest lymphocytes percentage was recorded in the control positive group. Histopathologically, moderate coccidia infestation in the intestinal mucosa and moderate hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes were observed in the diclazuril treated group compared with the negative control. However, mild coccidia infestation in the intestinal mucosa and slight coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes was found in the F. sycomorus treated group. In conclusion, F. sycomorus methanolic extract had promising effects on the live performance, oocyst count, and blood variables, while it possesses adverse consequences on the hepatic tissues. Further studies are required to optimize the dose and extraction method to mitigate its side effects.
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Bangoura B, Bhuiya MAI, Kilpatrick M. Eimeria infections in domestic and wild ruminants with reference to control options in domestic ruminants. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2207-2232. [PMID: 35680677 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria infections are commonly seen in a variety of mammalian hosts. This genus of unicellular sporozoan parasites causes significant disease (coccidiosis) in different livestock species leading to economic losses for agricultural producers. Especially the production of cattle, sheep, and goat is strongly dependent on efficient coccidiosis control. However, many other livestock hosts like, e.g., camelids, bison, rabbits, and guinea pigs may benefit from reduced parasite transmission and targeted control measures as well. Besides livestock, also wildlife and pet animals may be affected by Eimeria infections resulting in clinical or subclinical coccidiosis. Wildlife herd health is crucial to conservation efforts, and Eimeria species are a prevalent pathogen in multiple mammalian wildlife species. This review aims to highlight the epidemiology of mammalian Eimeria infections in both wild and domestic ruminants, including host specificity, transmission, survival of environmental oocysts, occurrence, and risk factors for infection. Understanding general drivers of Eimeria infection may support adequate livestock and wildlife management. Furthermore, control options for livestock with reference to management factors, drug application, and alternative approaches are discussed. The goal of Eimeria control should be to reduce pathogen transmission in different host species and to improve sustainable livestock production. Controlling Eimeria infections in livestock is important considering both their animal welfare impact and their high economic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Bangoura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA.
| | - Md Ashraful Islam Bhuiya
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
| | - Michelle Kilpatrick
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
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Negrel L, Baltenweck R, Demangeat G, Le Bohec-Dorner F, Rustenholz C, Velt A, Gertz C, Bieler E, Dürrenberger M, Gombault P, Hugueney P, Lemaire O. Comparative Metabolomic Analysis of Four Fabaceae and Relationship to In Vitro Nematicidal Activity against Xiphinema index. Molecules 2022; 27:3052. [PMID: 35630529 PMCID: PMC9146138 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), responsible for fanleaf degeneration, is spread in vineyards by the soil nematode Xiphinema index. Nematicide molecules were used to limit the spread of the disease until they were banned due to negative environmental impacts. Therefore, there is a growing interest in alternative methods, including plant-derived products with antagonistic effects to X. index. In this work, we evaluated the nematicidal potential of the aerial parts and roots of four Fabaceae: sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), sweet clover (Melilotus albus), and red clover (Trifolium pratense), as well as that of sainfoin-based commercial pellets. For all tested plants, either aerial or root parts, or both of them, exhibited a nematicidal effect on X. index in vitro, pellets being as effective as freshly harvested plants. Comparative metabolomic analyses did not reveal molecules or molecule families specifically associated with antagonistic properties toward X. index, suggesting that the nematicidal effect is the result of a combination of different molecules rather than associated with a single compound. Finally, scanning electron microscope observations did not reveal the visible impact of O. viciifolia extract on X. index cuticle, suggesting that alteration of the cuticle may not be the primary cause of their nematicidal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymonde Baltenweck
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Gerard Demangeat
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Françoise Le Bohec-Dorner
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Camille Rustenholz
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Amandine Velt
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Claude Gertz
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Eva Bieler
- Nano Imaging Laboratory, Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; (E.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Markus Dürrenberger
- Nano Imaging Laboratory, Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland; (E.B.); (M.D.)
| | | | - Philippe Hugueney
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
| | - Olivier Lemaire
- Santé de la Vigne et Qualité du Vin, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, 68000 Colmar, France; (R.B.); (G.D.); (F.L.B.-D.); (C.R.); (A.V.); (C.G.); (P.H.); (O.L.)
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Hoste H, Meza-OCampos G, Marchand S, Sotiraki S, Sarasti K, Blomstrand BM, Williams AR, Thamsborg SM, Athanasiadou S, Enemark HL, Torres Acosta JF, Mancilla-Montelongo G, Castro CS, Costa-Junior LM, Louvandini H, Sousa DM, Salminen JP, Karonen M, Engstrom M, Charlier J, Niderkorn V, Morgan ER. Use of agro-industrial by-products containing tannins for the integrated control of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants. Parasite 2022; 29:10. [PMID: 35225785 PMCID: PMC8884022 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have illustrated that different bioactive legume fodders containing condensed tannins might represent one of the options for integrated sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in ruminants, which may help address the worldwide development of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics. More recently, impetus has been given to assess the potential antiparasitic activity of less conventional resources, represented by different agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs). This review presents in vitro and in vivo results obtained with a range of tannin-containing AIBPs of various geographical and botanical origins, namely AIBP of nuts, temperate and tropical barks, carob, coffee and cocoa. They tend to confirm the “proof of concept” for their antiparasitic effects and also for other aspects of ruminant production in an agro-ecological context. Socio-economic aspects of the exploitation of such non-conventional resources are also discussed as potential models of the circular economy, by using waste. The different modes of use of these resources are presented in this review, as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses to illustrate the advantages and limitations of on-farm use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Hoste
- Université de Toulouse, UMR 1225 IHAP INRAE/ENVT 31076 Toulouse France
- Corresponding author:
| | | | - Sarah Marchand
- Université de Toulouse, UMR 1225 IHAP INRAE/ENVT 31076 Toulouse France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juan Felipe Torres Acosta
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil km 15.5 Mérida Yucatán 97000 México
| | - Gabriella Mancilla-Montelongo
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil km 15.5 Mérida Yucatán 97000 México
| | - Carlos Sandoval Castro
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil km 15.5 Mérida Yucatán 97000 México
| | - Livio M. Costa-Junior
- Laboratório de Controle de Parasitos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luis Maranhão MA 65080-805 Brazil
| | - Helder Louvandini
- Laboratório de Nutrição Animal, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo 13400-970 Piracicaba São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dauana Mesquita Sousa
- Laboratório de Controle de Parasitos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luis Maranhão MA 65080-805 Brazil
| | | | - Maarit Karonen
- Natural Chemistry Research Group, University of Turku 20014 Turku Finland
| | - Marika Engstrom
- Natural Chemistry Research Group, University of Turku 20014 Turku Finland
| | | | - Vincent Niderkorn
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores 63122 Saint-Genes Champanelle France
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queens University, Belfast BT9 5DL Northern Ireland United Kingdom
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Gayrard C, Gombault P, Bretaudeau A, Hoste H, Gidenne T. Nutritive value of dehydrated sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliae) for growing rabbits, according to the harvesting stage. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.114995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Sioutas G, Evangelou K, Vlachavas A, Papadopoulos E. Deaths Due to Mixed Infections with Passalurus ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and Cyniclomyces guttulatus in an Industrial Rabbit Farm in Greece. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060756. [PMID: 34203975 PMCID: PMC8232700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic rabbits are commercially farmed for their meat whilst gastrointestinal diseases can hinder their production. Passalurusambiguus and Eimeria spp. are two common rabbit intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhoea, among other symptoms, and in severe cases, death. C. guttulatus is a commensal yeast of the rabbits’ stomach that is considered apathogenic but can worsen symptoms in rabbits suffering from coccidiosis. In the present case report, we describe an outbreak of deaths in three different age groups (A: lactating does, B: 58 days old and C: 80 days old) in an industrial rabbit farm in Greece. Symptoms included depression, diarrhoea, inappetence, weight loss, dehydration and ruffled furs. Using a faecal flotation technique, sick rabbits were found to be moderately to heavily infected with P. ambiguus, Eimeria spp. and C. guttulatus. Treatment with fenbendazole and oregano oil combined with hygiene control measures successfully controlled the infections and resolved clinical symptoms. A faecal flotation method or other reliable diagnostic technique should be used regularly in industrial rabbit farms to screen for gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Early diagnosis and control will help to maintain production levels and, therefore, limit financial losses for the farmer while ensuring animal welfare.
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Jung CA, Torgerson PP, Bolt R, Grimm F, Schädler J, Albini S, Liesegang A. Alternatives to robenidine to control gastrointestinal disorders of weaner rabbits in the field. Vet Anim Sci 2021; 13:100179. [PMID: 34141949 PMCID: PMC8188055 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2021.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
High mortality rates and oocyst excretion are found in weaner rabbits. Gastrointestinal disorders have multifactorial origin. Coccidiostats are commonly used in most rabbitries. Improve understanding of the use of alternatives to robenidine in the form of natural supplements.
Gastrointestinal disorders due to Eimeria sp. and E. coli overgrowth cause high mortality in weaner rabbits and the interest in alternatives to coccidiostats is high. This study aimed to investigate the superiority of natural feed additives towards robenidine preserving gastrointestinal health in the field. Rabbits were divided into four groups, Control Group (CG) exclusively supplemented with robenidine, Sainfoin Group (SG) was supplemented with a combination of robenidine and sainfoin, and two additional groups were respectively supplemented with Herb-All COCC-X (garlic; conessi tree) (HG: Herbal Group) and by a combination of Herb-All COCC-X and Klinofeed (clinoptilolite) (MG: Mineral Group). Eimeria sp. (98,40%) and E. coli overgrowth (73.60%) could be confirmed as the main causes for losses. High mortality rates (SG: 30.00% - MG: 47.50%), also in the groups receiving robenidine (SG: 30.00%; CG: 45.00%), reinforced the importance of alternatives in the field. The natural additives of groups SG, HG and MG did not have a significant influence on the weight gains and the oocyst counts in the jejunum/ileum and caecum of slaughter rabbits at the end of the trial, compared to group CG. Significantly higher oocyst shedding in SG (p = 1.4E-03) and HG (p = 1.4E-05) during the trial may be explained by a higher surviving rate of diseased rabbits in those groups, fostered by beneficial effects of the additives, which should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Jung
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul P Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Bolt
- Department for livestock husbandry, Strickhof, Eschikon 21, 8315 Lindau, Strickhof, Switzerland
| | - Felix Grimm
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Switzerland
| | - Julia Schädler
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Albini
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Liesegang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Saratsi K, Hoste H, Voutzourakis N, Tzanidakis N, Stefanakis A, Thamsborg SM, Mueller-Harvey I, Hadjigeorgiou I, Sotiraki S. Feeding of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) to sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes reduces faecal egg counts and worm fecundity. Vet Parasitol 2020; 284:109200. [PMID: 32871390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the anthelmintic effects of condensed tannins (CT) in carob (Ceratonia siliqua) pods fed to sheep against gastrointestinal nematodes. Three independent in vivo trials tested whether i) carob pod (CaBP)-containing feed had an anthelmintic effect and if yes, which was the optimal concentration in the diet; ii) whether this effect could be attributed to tannins through the polyethylene glycol (PEG) test and iii) whether there were any synergistic effects when combined with another tannin-containing feed (e.g. sainfoin). In all trials 6-month old nematode-naive lambs, experimentally infected with both Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, were used. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed regularly and at the end of each trial adult worm counts (AWC) and female worm fecundity were recorded. In trial 1, 35 lambs (five groups of seven lambs) were fed different CaBP concentrations ranging from 0% to 12 % w/w. FEC declined up to 39.2 % only in the group fed with 12 %CaBP, while a declining trend (P < 0.06) was demonstrated for the AWC of T. colubriformis, which was associated with the increasing concentration of CaBP in feed. Female worm fecundity was reduced in groups fed CaBP for both parasites, however this was only significant for H. contortus (P < 0.001), in a dose dependent manner. In trial 2, four groups of six infected lambs each were used, which received the carob diets CaBP or CaBP + PEG, and the tannin-free diets with or without PEG (C or C + PEG). Results showed that FEC of Groups C, C + PEG, and CaBP + PEG were comparable throughout the trial, while the group receiving only CaBP showed lower FEC from DAY 25 onwards. AWC showed a reduction (67.7 %) only for H. contortus (P < 0.03). Reversal of the anthelmintic effect of CaBP after PEG administration suggested that CT contributed to the anthelmintic action. However, no effect of CaBP was observed on T. colubriformis AWC and on female worm fecundity for both species. Finally, for trial 3 four groups of six lambs each received a diet based on CaBP, sainfoin (S) or a combination (CaBP + S) and were compared to a control (C) diet of lucerne. On DAY 37 FEC values in groups CaBP + S and S tended to be lower compared to the two other groups (C, CaBP), while for AWCs no significant differences were observed for both parasites. The fecundity of H. contortus and T. colubriformis demonstrated significant differences between the treated and control groups, with lower values in the animals receiving CaBP + S. Overall, the results supported the hypothesis that carob had an anthelmintic effect due to its CT, but there was no clear indication of a synergistic effect with sainfoin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Saratsi
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Nutritional Physiology and Feeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece.
| | - Hervé Hoste
- INRAE, UMR 1225 IHAP, 23 Chemin des Capelles, Toulouse, F-31076, France; Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 23 Chemin des Capelles, Toulouse, F-31076, France
| | - Nikolaos Voutzourakis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tzanidakis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Stefanakis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stig Milan Thamsborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irene Mueller-Harvey
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, P.O. Box 236, 1 Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6AT, UK
| | - Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Nutritional Physiology and Feeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
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