Administration of spruce bark (Picea abies) extracts in young lambs exhibits anticoccidial effects but reduces milk intake and body weight gain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Eimeria spp. are widespread apicomplexan parasites known to cause coccidiosis in livestock, resulting in reduced animal welfare and productivity, particularly in sheep. The treatment options are limited, and there is an emerging development of resistance against registered pharmaceuticals. Spruce bark is rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as condensed tannins, which are bioactive compounds previously shown to have antiparasitic activity. Here, we examined the anticoccidial properties of bark extract of Norway spruce (Picea abies) against a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. by treating Eimeria-infected pre-ruminant lambs with water-extracted bark daily for 12 days. We hypothesised that the bark extract would reduce the faecal oocyst excretion and, consequen

SUBMITTER: Blomstrand BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9034609 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature