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Frontiers in veterinary science2020; 7; 556270; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.556270

Nutritional Supplements Containing Cardus mariano, Eucalyptus globulus, Gentiana lutea, Urtica urens, and Mallotus philippinensis Extracts Are Effective in Reducing Egg Shedding in Dairy Jennies (Equus asinus) Naturally Infected by Cyathostomins.

Abstract: The increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance together with the restrictions in the use of drugs in food producing animals have enforced the search for sustainable alternative approaches for parasite control. The current study aimed to investigate the safety and the efficacy of a commercially available phytotherapic formulation against gastrointestinal strongyles in donkeys. Twenty-two Ragusana jennies (2.6 ± 0.5 years old) were assigned to two equal groups. One group was treated with two doses of a phytotherapic supplement Paraxitebio® containing , and , 14 days apart (Group A). One group was used as negative control (Group B). Individual fecal samples were collected at the beginning of the study (T), and after 7, 14, and 28 days (T, T, T). Blood samples were collected on T and T in order to assess changes in donkeys' hematological profile. After the initial rise in EPG values observed on T, Group A showed a significant EPG decrease with lower eggs per gram (EPG) count compared to Group B on T and an overall fecal egg count reduction of 56.9% on the same time-point. Hematological parameters were within the normal physiological ranges for enrolled donkeys. However, significant differences in the values of RBCs, Hb, MCHC, MCV, WBCs, eosinophils, and basophils were recorded between groups after phytotherapic treatments, with Group A showing a general improvement in the hemogram picture. The phytotherapic supplement used in the current study was helpful in controlling intestinal parasites allowing a significant reduction in the fecal egg count 28 days after treatment. Further studies are needed to better explore the specific mode of action of the plant-derived formulation herein tested as well as to encourage their use as tool for the control of equine strongylosis under multimodal integrated approach in dairy donkey farms.
Copyright © 2020 Arfuso, Bazzano, Brianti, Gaglio, Passantino, Tesei and Laus.
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Publication Date: 2020-11-05 PubMed ID: 33251253PubMed Central: PMC7676897DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.556270Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research presents an evaluation of a commercially available supplements containing extracts from various plants (like Cardus mariano, Eucalyptus globulus, Gentiana lutea, etc.) to see how effective they are in reducing egg shedding in dairy jennies (female donkeys) that are naturally infected by parasites known as Cyathostomins. The supplement used showed a reduction in the fecal egg count and signs of improving the overall health of the treated donkey group.

Investigated Problem

  • The study addresses the challenge of controlling parasites in dairy jennies given the concerns about anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) resistance and the limitations on the use of drugs in food producing animals.

Methodology

  • Twenty-two young Ragusana jennies were divided into two equal groups. One group was given the phytotherapic supplement Paraxitebio® (which contains extracts from various plants) in two doses given 14 days apart. The other group served as a control and was not treated.
  • Fecal samples from both groups were collected at the start of the study and after 7, 14, and 28 days to measure fecal egg count (which directly relates to parasite infection).
  • Blood samples were taken at the start and at the end of 28 days to check for changes in the hematological profile of the donkeys.

Study Outcome

  • After an initial increase in egg count in the treated group (Group A), there was eventually a significant decrease. Overall, there was a reduction of 56.9% in the fecal egg count for Group A at the end of the 28 days, compared to the untreated group (Group B).
  • The hematological parameters for both groups remained within the normal physiological ranges. However, the treated group (Group A) showed a notable improvement in several hematological parameters including red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, white blood cells, eosinophils and basophils counts. This could indicate better general health due to the treatment.

Conclusion and Further Study Recommended

  • The researchers concluded that the phytotherapic supplement used in this study effectively contributed to the control of intestinal parasites, leading to a significant reduction in egg count and potential overall health improvement of dairy jennies.
  • The study suggests further research to better understand the specific actions of these plant-derived formulations and promote their use in integrated approaches for controlling equine parasitic infections on dairy donkey farms.

Cite This Article

APA
Arfuso F, Bazzano M, Brianti E, Gaglio G, Passantino A, Tesei B, Laus F. (2020). Nutritional Supplements Containing Cardus mariano, Eucalyptus globulus, Gentiana lutea, Urtica urens, and Mallotus philippinensis Extracts Are Effective in Reducing Egg Shedding in Dairy Jennies (Equus asinus) Naturally Infected by Cyathostomins. Front Vet Sci, 7, 556270. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.556270

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 7
Pages: 556270
PII: 556270

Researcher Affiliations

Arfuso, Francesca
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Bazzano, Marilena
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Macerata, Italy.
Brianti, Emanuele
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Gaglio, Gabriella
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Passantino, Annamaria
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Tesei, Beniamino
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Macerata, Italy.
Laus, Fulvio
  • School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Macerata, Italy.

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