Effectiveness of Cratylia argentea as an animal feed supplement in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematodes are considered one of the most important sanitary problems affecting ruminants globally; whether parasitizing alone or acting with other pathogens, they are responsible for severe economic losses related to animal husbandry. Endoparasites in small ruminants are usually controlled with anti-helminthic drugs. However, certain strains of endoparasites are resistant to such drugs. Supplementation of the diet with protein-rich foods is one strategy for reducing the negative impact of gastrointestinal parasites. Cratylia argentea has anthelmintic properties and other characteristics that favor its use as an animal feed supplement. In the present study, we subdivided crossbred lambs into homogeneous groups and fed them C. argentea (G1), C. argentea plus Brachiaria spp. (G2), or Brachiaria spp. (G3) only. The animals in group G1 had a lower average number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) at Day 42 (p < 0.05), and the average count was ten times lower than that in the control at the last evaluated time-point (Day 56). The animals exhibited linear weight gain, and those in group G1 gained the most weight. The combined use of drugs and plants containing bioactive compounds can minimize the evolution of multidrug resistance, prolonging the efficacy of the drugs. The FAMACHA® score showed little variation during the experiment (p > 0.05), indicating the absence of anemia and normal globular volume. This reinforces the importance of the measurement of EPG; this is a quantitative method and does not depend on the subjective interpretation of the results.