Effect of dietary supplementation on resistance to experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus in Creole kids

The aim of the present study was to test the effect of dietary supplementation on resistance to experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus in Creole kids. One trial with three replicates involved a total of 154 female kids that were chosen from three successive cohorts of the Creole flock of INRA-Gardel in 2007. The kids were placed into four treatments according to the amount of concentrate they received: G0 (no concentrate and a quality Dichantium spp. hay ad libitum, HAY), G1 (HAY+100g commercial concentrate d(-1)), G2 (HAY+200 g commercial concentrate d(-1)), G3 (HAY+300 g commercial concentrate d(-1)). The G0-G3 groups were infected with a single dose of 10,000 H. contortus third stage larvae (L(3)) at Day 0 (D0). Each infected group was comprised of one half resistant and one half susceptible genetically indexed kids. The average breeding values on egg excretion at 11 months of age were distant of 0.70, 0.65, 0.61 and 0.61 genetic standard deviations in G0, G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The faecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), eosinophilia (EOSI) and dry matter intake (DMI) indices were monitored weekly until 42 days post-infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out on serum samples to determine the level of IgA anti-H. contortus L(3) crude extracts and adult excretion/secretion products (ESP). The 10,000 L(3) dose received by the kids induced a severe infection: 8000 eggs per gram at the FEC peak, a PCV less than 15% and mortality. Interestingly, the supplemented animals in G3 showed a higher level of EOSI but a lower level of IgA anti-L3 and IgA anti-ESP than non-supplemented animals (G0). Resistant and susceptible kids had significantly different FEC variations within the groups. Susceptible kids had a 1.6 times higher egg output than resistant kids in G0. This difference was not found in the supplemented groups. The results of this study showed that supplementary feeding improved resistance of Creole kids to H. contortus experimental infection.     

Garlic and papaya lack control over gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and lambs

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) continue to hinder small ruminant production because of anthelmintic resistance and lack of effective products for GIN control in organic production. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a commercially available certified organic garlic product, fresh garlic juice, or garlic bulbs as an anthelmintic to control GIN in goats and papaya seeds for GIN control in lambs. In the first experiment, weaned meat goat kids were administered water or a commercial garlic juice product (n = 7/treatment). In the second experiment, kids were administered water, fresh garlic juice, or fed garlic bulbs (n = 9 or 10/treatment). In a third experiment, lambs were administered nothing or papaya seed in water (n = 12/treatment). Naturally infected goats were supplemented with bermudagrass hay and corn/soybean supplement in the first experiment or maintained on bermudagrass pasture in the second experiment or lambs grazed mixed grasses in the third. Blood and fecal samples were collected on Days 0, 7, and 14 after administration of treatment to examine changes in blood packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC). PCV and FEC were similar by Day 14 between kids treated with a commercial garlic juice and water in the first experiment. Similarly, PCV was not different among treatment groups in the second experiment. FEC of the garlic juice group was lower than the other two groups on Day 0, but was similar among groups by Day 14. Deworming was required in one goat within each treatment group by Day 7 and in three kids in the garlic juice group and two in the garlic bulb group by Day 14. No changes in PCV or FEC were apparent in response to papaya seed compared with untreated lambs. Based on the alternative plant products used in this study, garlic or papaya seed is not recommended as an aid to control GIN in goats or lambs.     

Lack of effects of quebracho and sainfoin hay on incoming third-stage larvae of Haemonchus contortus in goats

The effects of tannins on adult populations of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta in goats are characterised mainly by a decrease in egg excretion without any significant changes in worm number. In contrast, the impact of tannins on T. colubriformis or T. circumcincta third-stage larvae (L3) is associated with a significant reduction in worm establishment. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of quebracho extract tannins on H. contortus L3. The consequences of consumption of sainfoin hay were also examined. Twenty-one na?ve kids were divided into three experimental groups. Group Q received quebracho extract and group S received sainfoin hay from days D3 to D5. Group C remained as an infected control group. All kids received 1500 L3 H. contortus on D0, D1 and D2. On D18, post-infection, the kids were slaughtered and the worm populations compared in the different groups. Compared to the control values, the worm counts decreased, respectively, by 33% and 38% in groups Q and S but the differences were not significant. No differences were found in pathophysiological measurements between the three groups. The results confirm differences in tannin effect according to nematode species but not parasitic stage.     

Analytical approach and effects of condensed tannins in carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua) on feed intake,digestive and metabolic responses of kids

There are contradicting data in the literature regarding condensed tannins content in carobs. In this study, urea (0.5 g/ml) under reflux conditions increased dramatically the yield of condensed tannins to 17% of dry matter, as compared to 3.5% in acidic methanol extraction. This shows that carob pods are rich source of nonextractable condensed tannins. The effect of PEG in diet rich in carob pods on voluntary feed intake, digestibility and growth in weaning kids was studied during 15 days of balance trials in 24 kids distributed into three dietary treatments. The corn grain and wheat bran components in the control diet (diet 1) were replaced by carob in treatments 2 and 3; treatment 3 was supplemented by 3.3% of PEG of molecular weight-4000. Food intake, diet utilization and growth rate of weaning kids fed a diet containing 52% carob pods were decreased considerably in comparison to kids fed the control commercial diet. Supplementing the kids fed the carob-based diet with PEG increased feed intake, crude protein digestibility and growth to the rate obtained with the control diet. The nutritional experiment highlights the following aspects relevant to all mammals consuming carob pods rich diets: (i) tannins increased the variability in feed intake between days, (ii) hypocholesterolemic effect of carob pods is related to lipid binding capacity of nonextractable condensed tannins in the digestive tract, (iii) supplementing high level of carob pods to animals with normal blood cholesterol level may induce hypocholesterolemia.     

Studies on coccidiosis in goats in Poland

The study was carried out in a flock consisting of 110 goats. Nine species of coccidia were found: Eimeria christenseni, E. arloingi, E. jolchijev, E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. alijevi, E. apsheronica, E. caprina, E. caprovina and E. hirci. Eighty-one percent of adults and 100% of kids were infected. Number of oocysts per gram of feces in kids ranged form 1200 to 202000. Clinical symptoms in about 50% of kids were observed. Toltrazuril (Baycox, Bayer), 20 mg/kg of body weight was highly efficacious in therapy of goat coccidiosis.     

Sericea lespedeza hay as a natural deworming agent against gastrointestinal nematode infection in goats

Infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), particularly Haemonchus contortus, is the biggest constraint to profitable goat production in the United States (US). Due to widespread prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in goat GIN, alternative, non-chemical control methodologies are needed to increase profitability of small ruminant industries. A study was designed to test the efficacy of a high condensed tannin (CT) legume, sericea lespedeza [SL, Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours. G. Don)] against GIN of goats fed in confinement. The goats were given a trickle infection of 500 H. contortus larvae/animal three times per week during the trial to simulate natural infection. Twenty Boer bucks (6-8 months old) were fed bermudagrass [BG, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay plus concentrate for 5 weeks in confinement and then 10 animals were switched to SL hay for an additional 7 weeks. Throughout the trial, feces and blood were collected weekly from individual animals to determine fecal egg count (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV). Fecal cultures were made weekly from pooled samples to determine treatment effects on GIN larval development. All goats were slaughtered at the end of the trial, with adult worms in the abomasum and small intestine of each goat recovered, counted, and identified to species. Feeding SL hay to goats significantly (P<0.01) reduced FEC and increased PCV compared with BG hay. In addition, a lower percentage of ova in feces from SL-fed goats developed into infective (L3) larvae. There was a direct effect of SL hay on adult worms, with significantly (P<0.01) lower numbers of both abomasal (H. contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta) and small intestinal (Trichostrongylus colubriformis) nematodes compared with goats fed BG hay. Feeding SL hay to goats is an effective means of controlling parasitic nematodes and may be a potential supplement/replacement for chemical anthelmintics.     

Control of Coccidiosis in Caged Egg Layers: A Paper Plate Vaccination Method

Coccidiosis continues to affect caged layers worldwide despite keeping them on wire all their productive lives. Coccidiosis in caged layers, diagnosed either in clinical or subclinical forms, has one feature in common, unpredictability. Until recently, despite the use of vaccine, coccidiosis remained problematic, particularly at the beginning of lay, likely related to the low protective immunity for a lack of vehicle for recycling. An approach for using paper plates, both for vaccination as well as recycling is described. Caged layers that were vaccinated once with gel-puck coccidiosis vaccine laid at over 90% continuously for over 24 wk with little or no problem of coccidiosis.     

白头翁不同提取物及复方抗鸡柔嫩艾美耳球虫研究

以存活率、相对增重率、盲肠病变记分、卵囊值和抗球虫指数为判定指标,考察白头翁不同提取物及复方对鸡柔嫩艾美耳球虫孢子化卵囊致病性的影响(体外试验)和抗鸡柔嫩艾美耳球虫感染效果(体内试验)。体内、体外试验结果均表明,白头翁不同提取物及复方均能提高相对增重率,降低盲肠病变计分和卵囊值。抗球虫指数(ACI)检测表明,白头翁不同提取物及复方对球虫孢子化卵囊有微弱的抑杀效果,对鸡柔嫩艾美耳球虫感染预防效果较差,不宜作为鸡柔嫩艾美耳球虫病的预防和治疗药物。     

免疫调节剂与抗球虫药联合应用的抗球虫效果

为探讨免疫调节剂对鸡球虫病的免疫反应调节作用,设计并进行了免疫调节剂与抗球虫药合用的效果的研究。试验结果以抗球虫指数的测定来判定抗球虫药与免疫调节剂合用的效果。结果表明,免疫调节剂与抗球虫药合用状态下,抗球虫指数检测显示免疫调节剂卡介苗和黄芪多糖可明显提高抗球虫指数、改善球虫感染鸡的临床症、提高增重速度等,为控制球虫病提供了新的途径。     

Effect of supranutritional and organically bound selenium on performance, carcass characteristics, and selenium distribution in finishing beef steers

Dietary selenium influences the Se content in edible muscle of beef cattle. Limited data are available to describe the effects that feeds naturally high in Se have on production, carcass characteristics, and Se distribution in terminal tissues. Therefore, 43 crossbred steers (BW = 351 +/- 24 kg) were stratified by BW and assigned to one of four dietary treatments: Se adequate (CON; n = 12), Se provided as high-Se wheat (WHT; n = 9), high-Se hay (HAY; n = 11), or sodium selenate (SEO; n = 11). Daily selenium intake for WHT, HAY, and SEO diets was 65 microg/kg BW, whereas it was 9.5 microg/kg BW for CON. Diets were similar in ingredient composition (25% wheat, 39% corn, 25% grass hay, 5% desugared molasses, and 6% wheat middling-based supplement; DM basis), isonitrogenous and isocaloric (14.0% CP, 2.12 Mcal NEm/kg DM and 1.26 Mcal NEg/ kg DM), and offered once daily (1500) individually to steers in a Calan gate system for 126 d. At the end of the trial, steers were slaughtered; carcass data were recorded; and samples of the liver, kidney, spleen, semitendinosus, and hair were collected for Se analysis. Intake of DM, G:F, and ADG did not differ (P > 0.13). No differences (P > 0.12) were noted for hot carcass weight, organ weights, longissimus muscle area, back-fat thickness, marbling scores, or quality and yield grade. Kidney, pelvic, and heart fat tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in CON and WHT compared with SEO and HAY steers (2.9, 2.4, 2.5, 2.9 +/- 0.2% for CON, SEO, HAY, and WHT, respectively). Selenium concentrations in all tissues collected differed (P < 0.003) due to treatment. Distribution of Se to the kidney, spleen, and hair were similar with CON < SEO < HAY < WHT (8.40, 10.05, 10.86, 12.89 +/- 0.26 ppm for kidney; 2.00, 2.60, 3.82, 5.16 +/- 0.09 ppm for spleen; 1.80, 4.00, 5.93, 10.54 +/- 0.56 ppm for hair; P < 0.01). The distribution of Se in liver and muscle (DM basis) differed from that in other tissues, with CON < HAY < SEO = WHT (2.33, 6.56, 9.91, 10.79 +/- 0.80 ppm; P < 0.01) and CON = SEO < HAY < WHT (1.33, 1.55, 3.32, 4.41 +/- 0.18 ppm; P < 0.01), respectively. When providing dietary Se at supranutritional levels, source of Se did not affect production or carcass characteristics, but it altered the distribution and concentration of Se throughout the tissues of finishing beef steers.     

The effect of coccidian infection on the gut microflora of Nubian goat kids

Enteric coccidiosis was experimentally induced in Nubian goat kids by the oral inoculation of 1.5 x 10(6) sporulated oocysts of five mixed Eimeria species. Diarrhoea was the major manifestation of the disease, which terminated fatally within 19 to 25 days postinfection. Faecal excretion of oocysts was first detected on day 8 (mean 58 x 10(2)) with a maximum shedding (mean 16.39 x 10(5)) on day 14 post-infection. In addition, noticeable alterations were further observed on the normal constituents of the gut microflora in coccidia-infected kids. These changes were characterized by progressive reduction of the Gram-positive population from 84% pre-infection to 24.3% after the onset of diarrhoea. On the other hand, the Gramnegative population was conversely increased from 16% pre-infection to 75.7% after diarrhoea. At this stage (diarrhoea) E. coli was the most dominant organism amongst the various constituents of the gut microflora.     

鸡球虫病弱毒疫苗的免疫机理及研究进展

鸡球虫病是由艾美耳属球虫引起的一种危害性极其严重的寄生原虫病,呈世界性分布,是最主要的鸡病之一。目前主要用抗球虫药物对其进行防制,但随着耐药虫株的产生和药物残留对肉禽品质及人体健康的影响等问题的出现,对鸡球虫活疫苗的研究成为研究热点。作者对鸡球虫弱毒疫苗的免疫机理及其鸡胚传代致弱方法、理化致弱方法和早熟选育致弱法的研究进展作一概述,并对鸡球虫弱毒疫苗的应用前景进行了展望。     

Effect of the consumption of Lysiloma latisiliquum on the larval establishment of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats

The consumption of tannin-rich (TR) forages has been associated with negative effects against gastrointestinal nematodes and with an improved host resilience. It has been hypothesized that tannins affect the capacity of infective larvae to establish in the mucosae of the host. In this study, we aimed at testing this hypothesis using Lysiloma latisiliquum, a tropical TR tree. The objectives were: (i) to evaluate the effect of the consumption of L. latisiliquum on the establishment of nematode third-stage larvae (L3) in goats; (ii) to define the role of tannins in these effects in vivo by using an inhibitor (polyethylene glycol, PEG); and (iii) to examine a possible indirect effect of tannins on the inflammatory response in the digestive mucosa. Eighteen Criollo goats composed three experimental groups. The control group received fresh leaves of Brosimum alicastrum, a plant with a low level of tannins. Two groups received L. latisiliquum leaves either with (L.L.+PEG) or without (L.L.) daily addition of 25g PEG. After a 7-day adaptation period, each goat was infected with both Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (3000 L3 per species). The goats were slaughtered 5 days after infection and worm counts and histological analyses were performed. No difference in the voluntary feed intake of foliage was observed between the 3 groups. The consumption of L. latisiliquum significantly reduced the larval establishment of both nematode species compared to the control (P<0.01). For both worm species, the effects were totally alleviated with PEG (L.L.+PEG group), suggesting a major role of tannins in the observed effects. Only minor differences in the mucosal cellular response were observed between the 3 groups. These results confirm that the consumption of TR plants reduces the establishment of nematode larvae in the host and that a direct effect is principally involved.     

纤维素复合酶对羔羊消化道组织结构的影响

为了探明纤维素复合酶提高羔羊饲料消化率的消化道组织学基础,选择刚出生且体重相近的波尔山羊公羔30只(20日龄开始自由采食优质苜蓿干草, 80日龄断奶)分为对照组和试验组(添加0.2%酶制剂),分别在2、3和4月龄每组各选体重相近的3只羔羊屠宰.结果表明,瘤胃乳头长度、宽度和单位面积瘤胃乳头表面积随月龄增加而增加,而单位面积乳头数随着月龄的增加而减少(P ＜ 0.01).酶制剂提高3、4月龄羔羊瘤胃乳头长度(P ＜ 0.01)、宽度(P ＞ 0.05)和单位面积瘤胃乳头表面积(P ＜ 0.01),减少单位面积乳头数(P ＜ 0.01).显著提高3月龄十二指肠肠绒毛的长度(P ＜ 0.05).在3、4月龄,酶制剂有增加小肠隐窝深度和黏膜厚度的趋势,但未达到显著水平(P ＞ 0.05).     

Coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in sheep and goats

The protozoan diseases, coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis, are important enteric diseases of sheep and goats, resulting in diarrhea, inefficient weight gains, and occasionally death. Coccidiosis is a widespread, serious economic disease affecting animals who are preweaned, recently weaned, or in unsanitary, stressful, or crowded conditions, as well as after entering feedlots. The Eimeria species in sheep and goats are relatively host specific. Control is accomplished through sanitation and by incorporating one of the modern coccidiostats, such as lasalocid or decoquinate, in feed or salt to ensure an intake of approximately 1 mg of drug per kg of body weight per day for at least 30 consecutive days. Prevention and control of coccidiosis results in significantly greater weight gains and production, whereas disease with or without treatment is likely to result in inefficient production and economic loss to the producer. Cryptosporidiosis, caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, is primarily a disease of lambs and kids less than 30 days of age and is usually a milder disease than coccidiosis. Infective oocysts are passed in feces and are transmitted by oral ingestion. Oocysts readily infect a variety of animals, including humans. Cryptosporidiosis is a prevalent disease in neonatal ruminants and in humans. Effective treatments are not available, but because the disease is usually mild and self-limited, supportive care, primarily hydration, is important. Control is strict sanitation and quarantine of sick animals. Disinfection of contaminated housing with ammonia or formalin will kill the oocysts. The cyst-forming coccidia diseases, toxoplasmosis and sarcocystosis, utilize two hosts in their life cycles: sheep or goats and carnivores. Abortions and reproductive failures are major manifestations of disease. Control is through elimination of carnivore feces from the premises through management.     

Reproductive Performance and Milk Production of Damascus Goats Fed Acacia Shrubs or Berseem Clover Hay in North Sinai,Egypt

Thirty-three adult Damascus does (29±1.1 kg BW) were fed 0.6 kg per head per day of a concentrate diet plus ad libitum rice straw (Oryza sativa, control, R), or green acacia (Acacia saligna, A) or berseem clover hay (Trifolium alexandrinum, B). All treatment groups had free access to underground saline water containing 3600 ppm TDS. The DM intake was lower (p<0.05) for the R group but did not differ between the other two groups. The DM intake of acacia was 0.64 kg per head per day (1.98% BW) during pregnancy and 0.93 kg per head per day (2.95% BW) during lactation. The drinking water differed (p<0.05) between the three dietary treatments; group B had the highest mean intake and group A had the lowest. The percentage kidding and the litter weight at birth did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the number of kids weaned/doe kidding and the weight of the kids weaned/doe kidding were significantly higher for group B. The mean body weight of the kids at birth and at weaning were significantly lower for group R. The total milk yield over 10 weeks and the milk composition (total solids, fat and protein percentages) were significantly different between the three groups; group B having the highest means and group R the lowest. These results suggest that supplemental feeding is required to enhance the productivity of goats in arid or semi-arid environments and Acacia saligna should not be used fresh in excessive quantities for extended periods.     

The effects of feeding sericea lespedeza hay on growth rate of goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

Goat production is increasing in the United States due to high ethnic demand, but infection with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites is a major constraint to the industry. Increasing GIN resistance to chemical anthelmintics worldwide has led to the development of alternative control strategies, including use of forages containing condensed tannins (CT). An experiment was designed using infected and dewormed male kids (Kiko x Spanish, 6 mo old, 18.9 +/- 3.25 kg) fed diets containing 25% concentrate and either 75% sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours.) G. Don], a high CT forage (87 to 181 g of CT/kg), or 75% bermudagrass [BG; Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay (n = 10/treatment). The kids were weighed every 14 d, and fecal and blood samples were taken weekly for fecal egg counts and packed cell volume determination, respectively. Fecal cultures were processed every 14 d to determine CT effect on larval development. At slaughter, adult GIN were collected from the abomasum and small intestines for counting and speciation. Blood samples were also analyzed for plasma urea-N, and ruminal VFA and pH were determined. The infected SL-fed kids had consistently lower (P < 0.05) fecal egg counts than the infected BG goats throughout the trial and greater (P < 0.05) packed cell volume beginning by d 77. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.001) in kids fed SL- than BG-based diets, regardless of infection status (104.3 +/- 5.0 and 75.5 +/- 4.8 g/d, respectively). Total VFA and acetate concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in the BG- than in SL-fed goats, whereas propionate levels were unaffected by diet. Acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.01) and plasma urea-N (P = 0.03) levels were greater in BG-fed goats, whereas rumen pH was greater (P < 0.001) in the SL-fed goats. Feeding SL hay can reduce GIN infection levels and increase performance of goats compared with BG hay.     

兔球虫疫苗的研究现状

兔球虫病是家兔最常见、危害最严重的疾病之一,国内外多采用抗球虫药物对兔球虫病进行预防和治疗。目前为止,我国还没有研制出商品化的兔球虫疫苗,国内外仅有少部分学者开展了兔球虫病疫苗的研究工作。主要对兔球虫疫苗活虫苗、亚单位苗、基因工程苗的研究进展进行综述,以期为兔球虫疫苗的相关研究提供参考。     

Coccidosis caused by Eimeria scabra in a finishing hog

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria scabra was diagnosed in a 60-kg finishing hog with severe diarrhea and weight loss. Fresh and fixed tissues from a farrowing to finishing operation in eastern Georgia were submitted. Examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections of small intestine revealed large numbers of thick-walled oocysts and large macrogamonts. Although coccidiosis has been associated with diarrhea in baby pigs, coccidiosis as a cause of diarrhea in finishing swine is seldom reported.     

细胞因子在抗鸡球虫病中的作用机制及应用的研究进展

鸡球虫病是一种对养禽业危害极其严重的寄生虫病,现阶段主要使用药物对该病进行防治,但长期大量使用药物产生了耐药虫株、环境污染等问题,因此球虫疫苗研制成为控制鸡球虫病的首选方法.细胞因子作为疫苗免疫佐剂能增强疫苗的特导性免疫反应,在寄生虫疫苗研究中具有重要作用.文章对细胞因子抗鸡球虫病的作用机制及其在抗球虫病中应用的研究进展作一综述.