Protein Supplementation as a Nutritional Strategy to Reduce Gastrointestinal Nematodiasis in Periparturient and Lactating Pelibuey Ewes in a Tropical Environment.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of energy and protein supplementation on parasitological and hematological response during peripartum and lactation of productive and non-productive Pelibuey ewes in a tropical environment. Forty-eight Pelibuey ewes aged 3-5 years and with a body weight of 31 ± 5 kg were used. Four groups of 12 ewes, including non-pregnant and productive ewes, were formed. A factorial treatment design was formulated, where two levels of energy (low, 9.6 MJ/kg, n = 24; and high, 10.1 MJ/kg, n = 24) and two levels of protein (high, 15% crude protein in diet, n = 24; and low, 8% crude protein in diet, n = 24) were studied. Fecal and blood samples were collected to determine the fecal egg count (FEC) of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), packed cell volume (PCV) and peripheral eosinophil (EOS) count. These variables were rearranged with respect to the lambing date in a retrospective study. The high dietary protein level had a significant effect on reducing the FEC and increasing the PCV of ewes during lactation, in comparison with animals fed with the low protein level. Differences in the study variables were attributed to physiological stage. Lactating ewes showed the highest FEC values (2709 ± 359 EPG), the lowest PCV values (21.9 ± 0.7%) and the lowest EOS (0.59 ± 0.6 Cells × 103 µL). It is concluded that high levels of dietary protein improve the hematological response and reduce the FEC in Pelibuey ewes under grazing conditions. The non-pregnant ewes maintained some resilience and resistance to GIN infection compared to productive ewes.

High energy levels in the diet reduce the parasitic effect of Haemonchus contortus in Pelibuey sheep.

Nutritional aspects modulate the parasitological and immune response in infected sheep. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the parasitological and humoral immune response of Pelibuey sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus that were fed diets with two different energy (n = 12) and protein (n = 12) levels. Twenty-four Pelibuey lambs infected with H. contortus were evaluated over 12 weeks. An additional six animals were considered as a control group. Fecal egg count (FEC) was determined, in addition to packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP), and immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG, and IgM) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Data were analyzed by repeated measures over time. The lambs that received a high-energy (HighE) diet had the lowest FEC (P < 0.01) regardless of whether they received a high (HighP) or low (LowP) level of protein. The effect of energy level was also observed over time: FEC values decreased and PCV and TPP values increased. Higher immunoglobulin levels were obtained for females (P < 0.05) than males yet, overall, the energy and protein levels of the diets did not affect the response of the immunoglobulins. Over time, however, an increase in IgG and IgM was observed, whereas the IgA level remained basal.

In vitro larvicidal effect of a hydroalcoholic extract from Acacia cochliacantha leaf against ruminant parasitic nematodes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro lethal effect of a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) from Acacia cochliacantha leaf against three gastrointestinal nematodes species (Haemonchus contortus, H. placei and Cooperia punctata) of domestic ruminants. The HAE was assessed using five concentrations: 100, 125, 175, 150 and 200 mg/ml; 0.5% Ivermectin was used as a positive control and distilled water, as negative control. The data were normalized using the square root and analysed with a completely randomized design through ANOVA analysis using the general lineal model (GLM) of the SAS program. The HAE tannin content was determined through spectrophotometry (UV-visible) and the other major phenols, were identified by chromatographic processes. The results showed an in vitro larvicidal activity of the HAE against the three assessed nematode species with all assessed concentrations. A clear HAE increased concentration dependence effect was observed. The highest activity of the HAE was obtained at the highest concentration (close to 100%, P < 0.05). This result was similar to the one obtained with Ivermectin. On the other hand, the chemical analysis of HAE showed the presence of tannins, caffeoyls and coumaroyl derivates and quercetin as the main compounds. The results suggest that the HAE from this plant species possess in vitro anthelmintic properties. The identified compounds in this study would good candidates for further in vivo researches.

Nutraceutic effect of free condensed tannins of Lysiloma acapulcensis (Kunth) benth on parasite infection and performance of Pelibuey sheep.

Forty-five Pelibuey sheep were experimentally infested with nematodes to evaluate the effect of three free condensed tannin (FCT) levels of Lysiloma acapulcensis on fecal egg counts (FECs), packed cell volumes (PCV), ocular mucosa colors (OMC), average daily gain (ADG), and adult nematode count. Five treatments were used: 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg of FCT kg-1 of body weight (BW); sterile water (control); and ivermectine (0.22 mg kg-1 of BW) as chemical group. The data were processed through repeated measurement analysis. Even though the three FCT doses decreased (P < 0.05) the FEC, the highest reduction was obtained with 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW. No differences were observed in PCV and OMC. Higher ADG (P < 0.05) was observed with 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW of FCT. The count of adult nematodes (females and males) in the higher dose of FCT was similar to chemical treatment. Dose of 37.5 mg kg-1 of BW decreased the parasite infection and improved the lamb performance. Therefore, this dose could be used as a nutraceutic product in sheep production.

Effect of selective anthelmintic treatments on health and production parameters in Pelibuey ewes during lactation.

A study was conducted from December to April 2013, with the aim of evaluating a system of selective antiparasitic treatments using the FAMACHA© color chart compared with a conventional suppressive deworming system every 30 days in Pelibuey ewes during lactation. For the study, 54 ewes were used. They were randomly divided into two groups: FAMACHA and chemical treatments. The ewes in the first group received selective treatment depending on the ocular mucosa coloration (FAMACHA) and body condition score (BCS), while in the second group (chemical) all the animals remained under routine deworming every 30 days. Fecal nematode egg counts, proportion of third-stage trichostrongylid larvae, body condition, coloration of the ocular mucosa, and packed cell volume in the ewes were determined, while in lambs only body weight (BW) was recorded. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in any of the studied variables between groups; however, the use of antiparasitic drugs was reduced during the experimental period in the FAMACHA group and no deaths of lambs or ewes were recorded. The results indicate that during the lactation of ewes, a strategy of selective treatments can be implemented without showing deterioration in major health and productive parameters of these animals.

Evaluation of strategic and selective anthelmintic treatments on Pelibuey ewes in Cuba / Evaluación de tratamientos antihelmínticos estratégicos y selectivos en ovejas Pelibuey en Cuba / Avaliação de tratamentos anti-helmínticos estratégicos e seletivos em ovelhas Pelibuey em Cuba

Background: gastrointestinal parasitism is an important limitation for sheep production in Cuba. This situation is worsened by the lack of an effective parasite control strategy. Objective: to assess whether selective and strategic treatments could help achieve a level of control of nematodes similar to systematic drenchings. Methods: an experimental group of 73 Pelibuey ewes was divided into four groups: 1) the Epizoo group (Epizootiological drenching schedule) was dewormed at lambing in the middle of the dry season and at weaning; 2) the FAMACHA© group was treated according to the color of ocular mucosa as indicative of anemia (Categories 4 and 5 of the FAMACHA© color chart); 3) the Chemical group was drenched every three months; and 4) the control group, in which animals remained untreated unless fecal egg count (FEC) was higher than 1500 eggs per gram of feces or the packed cell volume (PCV) was lower than 15%. FECs, body scorings (BCS), hematocrits and color of ocular mucosa (COM) were evaluated monthly. Results: the control group showed the highest FEC and the lowest PCV. We also observed similar levels of FEC and body condition (BCS) in the Epizoo, FAMACHA© and Chemical groups. The PCV in FAMACHA© group was the highest, while no differences were found between the other two groups. Hematocrit had a strong negative correlation (-0.41) with FEC. The FAMACHA© method allowed a dramatic decrease in anthelmintic use. Conclusions: the obtained results suggest that FAMACHA© method could be incorporated as part of an effective parasite control strategy in sheep.

Antecedentes: el parasitismo gastrointestinal constituye una de las principales limitantes para producción de ovejas en Cuba. Esta situación es mucho más grave porque no existe un programa adecuado de control parasitario. Objetivo: evaluar si el uso de un tratamiento antihelmíntico estratégico o selectivo logra reducir los niveles de infestación parasitaria comparado con un sistema de tratamientos químicos sistemáticos. Métodos: se utilizó un rebaño experimental de 73 reproductoras Pelibuey que se dividió aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos: 1) El grupo epizootiológico (Epizoo) se trató al parto, a mediados del periodo seco y al destete, 2) el grupo FAMACHA© se desparasitó en función de la coloración de la mucosa ocular indicativa de anemia (categorías 4 y 5 de la carta de colores FAMACHA©), 3) el grupo Químico: se desparasitó cada tres meses, y 4) grupo control: no recibió tratamiento mientras su hematocrito (PCV) fuera inferior a 15% o la carga parasitaria (FEC) no superara los 1500 huevos por gramo de heces. Con frecuencia mensual se determinó a cada animal el conteo fecal de huevos (FEC), la condición corporal (BCS), el hematocrito (PCV) y la coloración de la mucosa ocular (COM). Resultados: se observaron valores similares para la BCS y el FEC en los grupos Epizoo, FAMACHA© y Químico. El PCV presentó los valores más altos en el grupo FAMACHA© y el grupo Control presentó los más bajos; no se apreciaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos Químico y Epizoo. El grupo control presentó los mayores FEC y los más bajos PCV. El hematocrito tuvo una relación fuerte y negativa (-0,41) con el FEC. El método FAMACHA© propició una disminución en el uso de fármacos antihelmínticos. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos sugieren que el método FAMACHA© podría ser incorporado como parte de una estrategia efectiva de control parasitario en ovinos.

Antecedentes: o parasitismo gastrointestinal é uma limitação para a produção de ovinos em Cuba. Esta situação é agravada pela falta de uma estratégia eficaz de controle parasitário. Objetivo: avaliar se os tratamentos seletivos podem ajudar a alcançar um nível de controle de nematóides semelhante a dois tratamentos sistemáticos. Métodos: um rebanho experimental de 73 ovelhas foi dividido em quatro grupos: 1) o grupo Epizoo (Esquema de tratamento epizootiológico) foi tratado no parto, no meio da estação seca e ao desmame, 2) o grupo FAMACHA© foi tratado de acordo com a cor da mucosa ocular (categorias 4 e 5 na cartela de cores FAMACHA©), 3) o grupo químico são vermifugados a cada três meses, e 4) o grupo controle não recebeu tratamento, enquanto seu hematócrito (PCV) fosse inferior a 15% ou a carga parasitária (FEC) não ultrapassasse 1.500 ovos por grama de fezes. A contagem de ovos por grama (FEC) de fezes, o escore da condição corporal (BCS), hematócrito (PCV) e a coloração da mucosa ocular (COM) foram avaliados mensalmente. Resultados: um nível similar de FEC e BCS foram observados nos grupos Epizoo, FAMACHA© y Químico. O PCV apresentou-se maior no grupo FAMACHA© e o grupo Controle teve os valores mais baixos; enquanto nenhuma diferença foi estimada entre os outros dois grupos. O grupo controle apresentou o maior FEC e o menor PVC. O hematócrito teve uma forte correlação negativa (-0,41) com o FEC. O método FAMACHA© permitiu uma diminuição drástica do uso de anti-helmíntico. Conclusões: os resultados sugerem que o método FAMACHA© pode ser incorporado como parte de uma estratégia para o controle de parasitas gastrintestinais em ovelhas.

Prevalencia de parásitos gastrointestinales en ovinos sacrificados en un rastro de Tabasco, México / Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in slaughtered sheep at a slaughterhouse in Tabasco, Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in sheep at necropsy at a slaughterhouse in Tabasco, Mexico. Adult parasites from gastrointestinal tract were recovered and preserved in formaldehyde for their later counting and identification. Adult nematodes were separated by species and the final count was transformed to Log + 1 to decrease the variance. GLM procedure using SAS statistic program was performed for data analysis. Provenance, sex, physiological status, and sampling month were considered as the variation sources. From a total sample of 242 slaughtered animals necropsied for monitoring gastrointestinal parasites, 57.4% including Nematoda, Trematoda or Cestoda classes. The main identified species corresponded to Haemonchus contortus in the abomasum. Cooperia curticei, Trichostongylus colubriformis, Strongyloides papillosus and Bunostomum trigonocephalum were found in the small intestine and Oesophagostomum columbianum, and Trichuris ovis in the large intestine. Fasciola hepatica and Moniezia expansa were the Trematoda and Cestoda parasites found in liver and small intestine, respectively with prevalence lower than 7%. The average of the total count of adult nematodes in the gastrointestinal tract of the infested animals was 2175 ± 445. Among the factors studied, the slaughter month and the provenance of the animals affected the prevalence of parasite infestation in sheep at slaughter. The main adult parasites found were H. contortus, C. curticei and T. colubriformis with average counts higher than 1009, 813 and 335, respectively.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la prevalencia de parásitos en ovinos sacrificados en un rastro en el estado de Tabasco. Se realizó la recuperación y conservación en formol de parásitos adultos presentes en el tracto gastrointestinal, para su posterior conteo e identificación. Los conteos de nematodos adultos por especie se transformaron a Log + 1 para disminuir la varianza, y se realizó el análisis con el procedimiento GLM del SAS en el cual se incluyeron como fuentes de variación: origen, sexo, estado fisiológico y mes de muestreo. De una muestra total de 242 animales sacrificados, se observó que 57.4% se encontraban parasitados con alguna especie de las clases Nematoda, Trematoda o Cestoda. Las principales especies identificadas correspondieron a Haemonchus contortus en abomaso. Cooperia curticei, Trichostongylus colubriformis, Strongyloides papillosus y Bunostomum trigonocephallum en intestino delgado. Oesophagostomum columbianum, y Trichuris ovis en intestino grueso. De los trematodos se encontró Fasciola hepatica en hígado y de los cestodos Moniezia expansa se localizó en intestino delgado con prevalencia menor a 7%. El conteo total de los nematodos adultos en el tracto gastrointestinal de los animales parasitados fue, en promedio, 2175 ± 445. De los factores estudiados, el mes de sacrificio y el origen de los animales afectaron la prevalencia de parasitosis en los ovinos al sacrificio. Los tres principales parásitos fueron: H. contortus, C. curticei y T. colubriformis, con conteos promedio de adultos, superiores a 1009, 813 y 335, respectivamente.