Next Article in Journal
Evaluation of the Acaricidal Effectiveness of Fipronil and Phoxim in Field Populations of Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) from Ornamental Poultry Farms in Italy
Previous Article in Journal
Morpho-Histology and Morphometry of Chicken Testes and Seminiferous Tubules among Yellow-Feathered Broilers of Different Ages
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Veterinary Sciences
Volume 9
Issue 9
10.3390/vetsci9090488
vetsci-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Hura crepitans Seeds for Control of Eimeria spp. in Lambs as an Alternative to Conventional Therapies

by
Martha-Yanira Velazquez-González
1,
Jose-Lenin Loya-Olguin
1,2,
Yissel-Sacnicte Valdes-Garcia
1,2,
Sergio Martinez-Gonzalez
2,
Fidel Avila-Ramos
3,
Francisco Escalera-Valente
1,* and
Jose-Ramiro Gonzalez-Montaña
4
1
Ciencias Biológico-Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Xalisco 63780, Mexico
2
Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Compostela 63700, Mexico
3
División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36500, Mexico
4
Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24007 León, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090488
Submission received: 4 June 2022 / Revised: 2 September 2022 / Accepted: 4 September 2022 / Published: 8 September 2022
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:

Simple Summary

The anticoccidial effect of Hura crepitans seed was evaluated for 3 weeks. For this, 21 lambs were used, which were housed individually in raised wire-mesh pens with individual water troughs and feeders. The lambs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7) that received different doses of Hura crepitans seeds. The treatment was administered at the beginning of the experiment once orally. Faecal samples were taken for quantitative analysis of oocysts and blood for haematological and biochemical analyses. Lambs that received the seeds showed significant excretion of coccidia oocysts between days 5 and 7 post-treatment, without affecting feed intake and growth. Most blood parameters analysed showed values within the reference interval, while urea and BUN levels increased slightly but without statistical difference. We can conclude that Hura crepitans seeds, at doses of 4 and 6 g/kg, favour the expulsion of coccidia oocysts, without affecting either the health or the productive behaviour of lambs.

Abstract

To evaluate the anticoccidial effect of the Hura crepitans seed, 21 cross-breed lambs, 23 ± 3 kg live weight (PV) and 70 ± 6 days old, were used. Animals were housed individually in raised wire-mesh pens, with individual water troughs and feeders. Lambs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 7) that received different doses of Hura crepitans seeds: 4 g/kg B.W. (group 1), 6 g/kg B.W. (group 2) and 0 g/kg B.W. (control group or group 0). The treatment was administered at the beginning of the experiment once orally and the study lasted 21 days. Stool samples were taken for quantitative analysis of oocysts using the McMaster technique and blood for haematological and biochemical analysis. Lambs that received the seeds showed a higher excretion of coccidia oocysts between days 5 and 7 after treatment (p < 0.05) due to the antiparasitic effect of these seeds, without affecting their productive performance (daily feed intake (DFI)- total weight gain (TWG), daily weight gain (DWG)). In addition, the daily feed consumption (DFC) and dry matter intake (DMI) were similar between the groups. The analysed enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and FA) and creatinine showed reference values. Only the urea and BUN levels were slightly increased, but without statistical difference between the groups. Therefore, the Hura crepitans seed, at doses of 4 and 6 g/kg, favours the expulsion of coccidial oocysts, without affecting either the health or the productive behaviour of lambs.

1. Introduction

Parasitic diseases are an important factor in livestock productivity in Mexico [1]. In sheep, the main parasites that affect the gastrointestinal system are helminths and protozoa [2]. Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the presence of protozoa of the Eimeria genus [3,4], which affects sheep of all ages, although the youngest animals are the most susceptible to developing the disease [5].
The economic losses produced by coccidiosis in small ruminants are the result of the high mortality rate in lambs and kids and low weight gain, which, therefore, leads to low productivity [6].
There are not enough data on the economic impact of this disease, and there are even less for tropical regions and small ruminants. Therefore, the economic losses it causes cannot be estimated for either clinical or subclinical diseases [7]. Fitzgerald, however, in 1980, estimated an annual global loss of $140 million due to coccidia infections in sheep. In Mexico, the economic impact caused by Eimeria spp. in bovine cattle is 23.78 million USD, while in the USA, annual economic losses due to eimeriosis have been estimated at USD 62 million [1]. Thus, in the USA, it has been estimated that 77 million young cattle were infected with coccidia during the first year of life, of which 4 million would be treated against eimeriosis, with around 80,000 animals dying [1].
Among the different species that affect sheep, Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria ovinoidalis are considered very pathogenic, since they are associated with clinical cases of coccidiosis in lambs, parasitizing the distal part of the intestine (thin and thick) of young animals [8]. Eimeria ovinoidalis causes destruction of the intestinal villi, which leads to denudation of the cecal mucosa, resulting in haemorrhagic enteritis, dehydration, shock and/or death [8].
Traditionally, coccidiosis in lambs is treated with sulfonamides for two or three days or coccidiostats, such as amprolium, monensin, decoquinate, diclaruzil, toltrazuril, etc. [9,10]. However there is currently an increase in resistance to multiple products that are frequently used for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis [11,12,13].
This is due to multiple causes, including frequency of treatment and underdosing [14]. Thus regarding helminths, deworming animals regularly, or using the same anthelmintic group, favours the appearance of parasitic resistance [15], while underdosing contributes to the survival of resistant worms, favouring the selection of resistant strains [15].
Due to the increasing reports concerning the appearance of parasitic resistance against commonly used drugs worldwide, the development of new control strategies is required [14,16]. Castagna et al. [17] points out that many plants have been used in ethnoveterinary medicine for parasite control in small ruminants. In this context, the administration of methanolic extracts from the Ruta pinnata plant has been evaluated in vitro in sheep, and it was found to show activity against Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae by inhibiting sporulation of oocysts and decreasing the viability of sporozoites. Furthermore, its use has even been postulated as a treatment against other parasites in animals and humans [18]. Saratsis et al. [19] found a reduction in the load of Eimeria oocysts in lamb, with the use of Onobrychis viciifolia, a plant known as sainfoin that is cultivated as a forage plant in various countries. Sericea lespedeza has also been shown to be effective in the prevention and control of coccidiosis, as well as in the reduction of gastrointestinal nematode infection, reducing the loss of lambs after weaning [20]. In southern Italy, in Calabria, Punica granatum macerate has been verified as having significant anthelmintic effects, while, in contrast, low effectiveness was found for the Artemisia campestris macerate and Salix caprea macerate was judged to be completely ineffective [17]. Moreover, Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood, although it has been traditionally used as a febrifuge and anthelmintic, does not seem to have a significant effect against coccidiosis [10].
Hura crepitans (Linneo, 1753), also called sandboxtree or possumwood, is an evergreen tree of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to tropical regions of America and widely distributed throughout the world. Although it is poisonous to humans, sheep routinely consume their seeds and, according to the popular belief of farmers, they do so to deworm.
Phytochemical evaluation has shown that Hura crepitans contains multiple substances (tannins, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides and triterpenoids). The presence of these phytochemicals confirms the many applications of H. crepitans in traditional medicine [21], where it has been used as a purgative, emetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent. It has also been used in the treatment of mucous diarrhoea in dogs and humans [21,22,23]. The latex of the Hura crepitans seed (sHC) has been used to manage skin diseases in humans [24] and as an intestinal antiparasitic [25], and it has even been used successfully in sheep as an intestinal antiparasitic against Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides venezuelensis [26].
However, we are not aware of any evaluation of the use of sHC in the control of coccidia in ruminants. Likewise, we do not know the effects of its use on the health of animals, since some toxic plants are potentially harmful to specific organs and systems, causing tissue damage [27]. Therefore, the aim of the present research was to evaluate the effects of different doses of Hura crepitans seeds for control of coccidiosis in lambs, as well as their effect on the performance and health of animals.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Location

The research was carried out in the Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit (UAMVZ-UAN), geographically located between 21°17′46″ north latitude and 104°54′ west longitude, at 880 m (a.s.l.). The area has a semi-warm and humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 22 °C and precipitation of 1000 mm [28].
The handling of lambs complied at all times with the approved regulations for the use and welfare of animals (NOM-051-ZOO-1995: Humanitarian care of animals during mobilization of animals [29]; NOM-062-ZOO-1999: Technical specifications for the care and use of laboratory animals). Livestock farms; farms; centres of production, reproduction and breeding; zoos; and exhibition halls must meet the basic requirements for animal welfare [25,30], and the experimental protocol was approved by the corresponding Committee of the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic, México.

2.2. Obtaining the Seeds

The whole, ripe fruits of Hura crepitans, characterized by a brown colour on their skin [26,31], were collected within the UAMVZ-UAN during the months of April and May. The shells of the fruit were broken with a hammer and, subsequently, the seeds were broken into four pieces and ground using an Oster® blender; finally they were dehydrated at 65 °C in a forced air oven for 48 h.

2.3. Experimental Groups

Twenty-one female Pelibuey x Katahdin cross lambs, 70 ± 6 days olds, weighing 23 ± 3 kg B.W., with a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3/5, were used [32]. They had been weaned at approximately 2 months and had a period of adaptation to food and housing prior to the start of the experiment. The animals were housed individually in raised pens with a wire mesh, with individual water troughs and feeders.
Lambs were randomly assigned to the different experimental groups (Gr. 1, Gr. 2 or Gr. 0). Each group (n = 7) received a different amount of Hura crepitans seeds: 4 g/kg B.W. (in Gr. 1), 6 g/kg B.W. (in Gr. 2) and 0 g/kg B.W. (the Control Group, called Gr. 0). The treatment was administered orally once at the beginning of the experiment. The study lasted for 21 days.

2.4. Feed

All animals received the same ration, formulated according to the recommendations of the NRC [33], which was offered ad libitum (Table 1). Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated based on daily feed intake (DFI). For this, both the food offered and the rejected food were weighed and recorded every day. Animals were weighed prior to the first morning feeding, at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, to calculate the total weight gain (TWG). Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was calculated based on the TWG and DMI.

2.5. Sampling Blood and Stool

Faecal samples were taken from each lamb on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 21 of the experiment and blood samples on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 9 and 11. The first sampling (day 0) was carried out before the administration of seeds. The faeces (approx. 20 g) were collected directly from the rectum, placed in sterile plastic bags (Whirl-Pak Nasco) and kept refrigerated until processing, which always took place within one week.
The quantitative analysis of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (opg) was carried out with the McMaster technique [34] in the Laboratorio de Parasitología de la UAMVZ-UAN. A subsample consisting of the samples taken on day 0 from all the animals was sent to the Laboratorio de Parasitología of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (FMVZ-UNAM) to identify the Eimeria species, taking into account the morphology and size after sporulating the oocysts [35,36]. To do this, the stool samples were incubated in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) at 27 ± 2 °C for 5 days under conditions of constant oxygenation. The sporulated oocysts were concentrated with a saturated NaCl solution. From each sample, 100 sporulated oocysts, taken at random, were measured using a micrometric eyepiece (Leica Microsystems, ASPELAB, Guadalajara, México).
Blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein using a vacuum tube needle (Vacutainer®, Becton Dickinson, NJ, USA) in tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min (VE-4000 VELABTM). Plasma was harvested and frozen in Eppendorf tubes at −20 °C for further laboratory processing. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and urea were measured using a Multiskan FC Photometer microplate reader (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and BioSystems® reagents (Biosystems S.A., Barcelona, Spain).

2.6. Data Analysis

A descriptive analysis of the percentage of presentation of Eimeria was performed. Variables consisting of the reduction of coccidial oocysts, productive performance and blood parameter values were compared using an ANOVA to detect statistical differences between groups. Where necessary, the mean contrast was analysed with the Tukey test to specify the statistically different groups. Significant differences were considered when the value of p ≤ 0.05. All this was undertaken using the SPSS statistical package, version 20.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The analysis of the elimination trend for Eimeria oocysts was carried out using polynomial regression.
The following mathematical model was adopted [37]:
Yij = μ + τj + ϵij,
in which Yij is the j-th observation of diet i; μ is the general mean response; τj is the non-random effect of diets, in which Σ_(ⅈ = 1)^k τj = 0; and ϵij = is the random diet error.

3. Results

3.1. Stool Appearance

The animals that received the seeds presented type II stools, according to the classification by Burke et al. [20], presenting up to a maximum of three defecations in the 5 h after treatment. After this time, the faeces showed a normal consistency.

3.2. Parasite Infection Performance

The samples analysed allowed the identification of six species of Eimeria (E. parva, E. ahsata, E. ovina, E. faurei, E. pallida and E. granulosa), as well as two species considered especially pathogenic (E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis) (Figure 1). To differentiate E. crandallis, E. weybridgensis and E. ovina, we took into account the keys indicated by Wright and Coop [36].
The control group presented a lower elimination of oocysts (p < 0.05) compared to those groups that received Hura crepitans seeds (Table 2). The greatest elimination of oocysts occurred in group Gr. 2, which received the highest dose of seeds (6 g/kg B.W.), although a significant statistical difference between the two treated groups was not found (p > 0.05) (Table 2). The highest oocyst removal occurred between days 5 and 9 in the treated groups; however, the curve marking the trend in oocyst removal was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (Figure 2).

3.3. Productive Performance

Daily feed intake (DFI), total weight gain (TWG), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were similar between the three groups (p > 0.05), as shown in Table 3.

3.4. Blood Parameters

The enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP) and the creatinine analysed were found to be within the normal levels. Only the urea and BUN values were slightly increased around day 7 post-treatment, although without statistical difference (Table 4).

4. Discussion

4.1. Clinical Signs

The pasty aspect of the faeces was attributed to the latex that is distributed throughout the plant (bark, leaves and seeds) since, in humans, ingesting this seed produces diarrhoea [38]. It should be noted again that the soft consistency of the stool did not last for a long time, which coincides with the observations of Mahmoud et al. [38], who stated that there was a normal return of appetite and stool consistency, although they do not mention the time that elapsed.
The latex of Hura crepitans (sandboxtree or possumwood, also called ceiba blanca, ceiba lechosa, tronador, achohó, javillo, tronador, habillo, salvadera, molinillo, arceira, catauá, arbre du diable and posentri, among other names) is considered toxic and highly irritating to the skin and mucosa. In humans, intake of H. crepitans seeds produces a burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspnoea and headache [39].
However, the lambs that received the different doses of H. crepitans did not show any adverse clinical signs. In contrast, muscle tremors, mainly in the head and neck, and uncoordinated gait were described in sheep poisoned by Ipomoea asarifolia [40], while tremors, falls, stiff gait, ataxia, muscle spasms and sudden death were cited for goats poisoned by Marsdenia megalantha [41].

4.2. Parasite Infection Performance

In a study carried out on male and female lambs, nine Eimeria species known to be pathogenic for sheep were identified (E. ovina, E. parva, E. faurei, E. ahsata, E. crandallis, E. ovinoidalis, E. granulosa, E. intrincata and E. punctata), of which the first six coincided with those found by us. This coincidence could be possibly due to the pre-patency periods of species and the differing abilities of oocysts to survive in the environment, pastures and pens [42].
In this research, we did not characterize the phytochemical compounds of the Hura crepitans seeds. Some previous studies have observed the presence of multiple substances, depending on the part of the tree sampled. Toxalbumins, hurina and crepitin are distributed among all the plant organs [23], while the stem bark and leaves of H. crepitans contain tannins, saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides and triterpenoids, although dafnane diterpenes, daphnetoxin acid and huratoxin were also isolated, along with apocynin and methylpentadecanoate [22]. Phytochemicals, such as glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins [21,22]; glycosides and steroids [43]; and crepitin, glucosamine and lectin [21,23], have also been found.
The greater elimination of oocysts in the days after the administration of seeds can be attributed to the chemical components of the seeds, among which is latex, which Spanó et al. [44] describe as an emulsion mainly used as a means of defence against insects and to control the growth of microbial phytopathogens. This research correlates with that carried out by Mahmoud et al. [38] on the reduction of coccidia. Using four experimental groups (group 1: control, group 2: infected without treatment, group 3: infected and treated with Calotropis procera latex and group 4: infected and treated with sulfadimidine), they verified that group 3, expelled more coccidial oocysts than group 4, as also occurred in our research, possibly due to the purgative effect of latex. However, the latex used was obtained from C. procera, a North African shrub with sap containing latex, calcium oxalate and other cardioactive substances.
The important reduction in oocysts may also be attributable to condensed tannins, since the H. crepitans tree contains these compounds, albeit in low concentrations [45,46], and the effectiveness of condensed tannins in the control of coccidia has been demonstrated in several studies [20,47].
It is possible that the treatment could have been administered before the sporulation of the oocyst and that sporocysts—and, therefore, sporozoites, which are the infecting form—were formed.
It is important to note that the slatted floor could have contributed significantly to the control of Eimeria by keeping the infecting forms away from the animals [48]. For this reason, it would be advisable to carry out another experiment with animals housed on dirt floor to more precisely evaluate the effectiveness of ingesting Hura crepitans seeds.

4.3. Productive Performance

The daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were similar to those observed by Macias-Cruz et al. [49], who reported values of 170 g/d, 1.2 kg/d and 7.3 kg/kg, respectively, when they used female Pelibuey, Pelibuey × Katahdin and Pelibuey × Dorper sheep and diets with a content of 16.4% of crude protein (CP) and 2.7 Mcal/kg of metabolizable energy (ME) in the finishing period.
Novelo et al. [50] found no differences in dry matter consumption when they compared two groups of grazing goats with different parasite loads, measured by the number of nematode eggs per gram of faeces. Méndez-Ortiz et al. [51] stated that gastrointestinal nematodes negatively influence dry matter consumption but that this impact can be reduced by adding protein and energy to the diet of animals. This may be the reason why there were no differences in the feed consumption of the lambs in the present research.
The observed weight gains were slightly lower than those reported with Pelibuey sheep fed complete diets [52,53]. Bustamante [54] found lower gains (132 g/day/lamb), while the daily weight gain was higher than the values of 124, 158 and 159 g/d reported by Partida et al. [55] with Pelibuey, Pelibuey × Suffolk and Pelibuey × Dorset sheep, respectively. According to Avendaño et al. [56], Pelibuey crossbred lambs and Dorper, or Katahdin, rams show greater weight gains than pure Pelibuey lambs. However, the dry matter consumption (1.03, 1.06 and 1.03 kg/d) and the feed conversion (8.3, 6.7 and 6.5 kg of feed/kg of B.W.) were similar [55]. The differences found could possibly be attributed to the duration of the experiments; the age of the animals; the addition of additives, such as ionophores; and the protein content in the diet [53], although Rivera et al. [42], in a 60-day study, obtained greater total weight gains in those animals with a lower load of coccidial oocysts.

4.4. Blood Parameters

Plasma ALT, ASAT, GGT, FA and creatine values were, in general, within the ranges considered normal [57,58]. Increases in these enzymes are generally attributed to liver damage, although they do not always have this origin. Fluctuations in ALT, AST and GGT values may indicate an intensification of metabolic processes [59], allowing us to rule out significant liver injury due to the fact that the enzymes analysed were not manifestly modified and in the same direction. It must be taken into account that the reference values found in the literature were derived from lambs of different breeds reared in different environmental and nutritional conditions, which reduces the precision of the comparison [58].
The uraemia and BUN values were above the reference interval [57,58,60]. Both feeding and handling can influence serum urea levels in ruminants. A higher protein intake causes an increase in blood urea and, therefore, the BUN rate [61,62]. Approximately 70% of the proteins are converted to ammonia in the rumen to be used by ruminal microorganisms for the synthesis of structural proteins. Therefore, degradable rumen protein levels are directly related to the rumen ammonia concentration. A considerable portion is absorbed and, on reaching the liver, converted to urea. Thus, the BUN concentration reflects changes in rumen ammonia production [58]. The increase observed on day 7 is difficult to explain and appears to be a one-time event, since, in our case, the amount of protein in the diet did not change, and the levels quickly returned to the initial values. It may have been due to overnight fasting, since blood samples were taken before the lambs were fed and showed increased tissue catabolism (from body proteins) and haemoconcentration due to lower water intake.
These values can also increase due to kidney damage [27,63], but this is usually accompanied by a parallel increase in blood creatinine levels [63,64]. According to Braun and Lefebvre [63], although no test is sensitive in the early diagnosis of kidney disease due to the large functional reserve of the kidneys, creatinine measurement is the most widely used test to diagnose and monitor kidney function in mammals, as the levels of creatinine increase in renal disease. Serum creatinine levels in lambs raised under tropical conditions have been reported to be lower [58] with respect to the levels indicated by Kaneko et al. [57]. Creatinine values may be slightly altered due to the age of the animals, since, according to Gregory et al. [65], young animals up to 12 months of age have lower serum values than adults. Creatinine levels are not strongly affected by nutrition, although they do increase due to the breakdown of protein stores to meet energy demand [57]. Since creatinine concentrations are associated with the protein status of ruminants and correlate with muscle deposition, creatinine levels tend to increase as animals age [58]. In our case, even though our subjects were young animals, at no time could we see increases in blood creatinine that could indicate alterations in the lambs.

5. Conclusions

The administration of Hura crepitans seeds at doses of 4 and 6 g/kg B.W. enhanced the elimination of coccidial oocysts during the first 5 to 7 days after their administration, without affecting the productive behaviour or the health of the growing sheep. However, we think it would be very interesting to carry out future investigations isolating and characterizing the main compounds of Hura crepitans seeds that act against parasitic protozoa.

Author Contributions

M.-Y.V.-G.: conceptualization, investigation, writing—original draft; J.-L.L.-O.: investigation, software, writing—review and editing; Y.-S.V.-G.: data curation, methodology, project administration; S.M.-G.: supervision, validation, visualization; F.A.-R.: data curation, formal analysis, project administration; F.E.-V.: conceptualization, investigation, methodology, writing—review and editing; J.-R.G.-M.: conceptualization, methodology, writing—review and editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was partially funded by CONACYT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología), which provided a maintenance grant to the then Master’s student M. Y. Velázquez González. The remaining expenses were covered by the work team.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The authors declare that the handling of lambs used in the current research complied all times with the Mexican and international regulations for the use and welfare of animals (Humanitarian care of animals during the animal mobilization (NOM-051-ZOO-1995); Technical specifications for the care and use of laboratory animals (NOM-062-ZOO-1999); Directive regulating the use of animals for scientific purposes in the European Union (European Union, 2010)). The research protocol was approved by the Dirección de la Unidad Acadèmica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, with the number OBA-UAMVZ-02-2022.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgments

We want to acknowledge Ana Sánchez for the linguistic revision of English in this paper.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Rodríguez-Vivas, R.I.; Grisi, L.; De León, A.A.P.; Villela, H.S.; De Jesús Torres-Acosta, J.F.; Sánchez, H.F.; Salas, D.R.; Cruz, R.R.; Saldierna, F.; Carrasco, D.G. Potential economic impact assessment for cattle parasites in Mexico. Review. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Pecu. 2017, 8, 61–74. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. Das, M.; Laha, R.; Goswami, A.; Sen, A. Gastrointestinal parasitism of goats in Hilly Region of Meghalaya, India. Veter World 2017, 10, 81–85. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Alcala-Canto, Y.; Gutierrez-Olvera, L.; Gutierrez-Olvera, C.; Sumano-Lopez, H. Effects of clinoptilolite on Eimeria spp. infection in sheep. Small Rumin. Res. 2011, 100, 184–188. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Chartier, C.; Paraud, C. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria in sheep and goats, a review. Small Rumin. Res. 2012, 103, 84–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Silva, L.M.R.D.; Vila-Viçosa, M.J.M.; Nunes, T.; Taubert, A.; Hermosilla, C.; Cortes, H.C.E. Eimeria infections in goats in Southern Portugal. Rev. Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 2014, 23, 280–286. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Abo-Shehada, M.N.; Abo-Farieha, H.A. Prevalence of Eimeria species among goats in Northern Jordan. Small Rumin. Res. 2003, 49, 109–113. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Khodakaram-Tafti, A.; Hashemnia, M. An Overview of intestinal coccidiosis in sheep and goats. Rev. Med. Vet. 2017, 168, 9–20. [Google Scholar]
  8. Gregory, M.W.; Catchpole, J. Ovine coccidiosis: Pathology of Eimeria ovinoidalis infection. Int. J. Parasitol. 1987, 17, 1099–1111. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. De Souza-Rodrigues, F.; Roland-Tavares, L.E.; Paiva, F. Efficacy of treatments with toltrazuril 7.5% and lasalocid sodium in sheep naturally infected with Eimeria spp. Rev. Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 2016, 25, 293–298. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Iqbal, A.; Tariq, K.A.; Wazir, V.S.; Singh, R. Antiparasitic efficacy of Artemisia Absinthium, toltrazuril and amprolium against intestinal coccidiosis in goats. J. Parasit. Dis. 2013, 37, 88–93. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Elsheikha, H.M.; McOrist, S.; Geary, T.G. Antiparasitic Drugs: Mechanisms of Action and Resistance; Elsheikha, H.M., Khan, N.A., Eds.; Caister Academic Press: Wymondham, UK, 2011; pp. 187–200. [Google Scholar]
  12. Gjerde, B.; Enemark, J.M.D.; Apeland, M.J.; Dahl, J. Reduced efficacy of diclazuril and toltrazuril against Eimeria species of Sheep on a farm in Rogaland County, Norway. Nor. Veterinærtidsskrift 2010, 122, 301–304. [Google Scholar]
  13. Odden, A.; Enemark, H.L.; Ruiz, A.; Robertson, L.J.; Ersdal, C.; Nes, S.K.; Tømmerberg, V.; Stuen, S. Controlled efficacy trial confirming toltrazuril resistance in a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. Parasites Vectors 2018, 11, 394. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  14. Papadopoulos, E. Anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes. Small Rumin. Res. 2008, 76, 99–103. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Dorny, P.; Claerebout, E.; Vercruysse, J.; Sani, R.; Jalila, A. Anthelmintic resistance in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Vet. Parasitol. 1994, 55, 327–342. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Taylor, M.A. Parasite control in sheep: A risky business. Small Rumin. Res. 2013, 110, 88–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Castagna, F.; Piras, C.; Palma, E.; Musolino, V.; Lupia, C.; Bosco, A.; Rinaldi, L.; Cringoli, G.; Musella, V.; Britti, D. Green veterinary pharmacology applied to parasite control: Evaluation of Punica granatum, Artemisia campestris, Salix caprea aqueous macerates against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8, 237. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. López, A.M.; Muñoz, M.C.; Molina, J.M.; Hermosilla, C.; Taubert, A.; Pérez, D.; Matos, L.; Guedes, A.C.; Martín, S.; Ruiz, A. Actividad in vitro de la planta endémica canaria Ruta Pinnata frente al coccidio caprino Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae. Rev. Canar. Las Cienc. Vet. 2013, 8, 17–23. [Google Scholar]
  19. Saratsis, A.; Regos, I.; Tzanidakis, N.; Voutzourakis, N.; Stefanakis, A.; Treuter, D.; Joachim, A.; Sotiraki, S. In Vivo and in vitro efficacy of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) against Eimeria spp in lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 2012, 188, 1–9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  20. Burke, J.M.; Miller, J.E.; Terrill, T.H.; Orlik, S.T.; Acharya, M.; Garza, J.J.; Mosjidis, J.A. Sericea lespdeza as an aid in the control of Emeria Spp. in lambs. Vet. Parasitol. 2013, 193, 39–46. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Owojuyigbe, O.S.; Firempong, C.K.; Komlaga, G.; Larbie, C.; Emikpe, B.O. Phytochemical, antioxidant and safety evaluation of Hura crepitans (L.) stem bark hydroethanolic extract in animals. Eur. J. Med. Plants 2020, 31, 1–16. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Oloyede, G.; Adaramoye, O.; Olatinwo, M. Chemical constituents of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.) and anti-hepatotoxic activity of the leaves and stem bark extracts. In Proceedings of the 39th CSN Annual International Conference, Workshop and Exhibition, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 18–23 September 2016; Rivers State University of Science and Technology: Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 2016. [Google Scholar]
  23. Owojuyigbe, O.S.; Firempong, C.K.; Larbie, C.; Komlaga, G.; Emikpe, B.O. Hepatoprotective potential of Hura crepitans L.: A Review of ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies. J. Complement. Altern. Med. Res. 2020, 9, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Fernández-Calienes, A.; Mendiola Martínez, J.; Acuña Rodríguez, D.; Caballero Lorenzo, Y.; Scull Lizama, R.; Gutiérrez Gaitén, Y. Antimalarial activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extracts from six plant species used in cuban traditional medicine. Rev. Cuba. Med. Trop. 2011, 63, 52–57. [Google Scholar]
  25. Francis, J.K.; Hura Crepitans, L. Sandbox, Molinillo, Jabillo. Euphorbiaceae. Spurge Family. In Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, Institute of Tropical Forestry; USDA: New Orleans, LA, USA, 1990; Volume 38, pp. 1–5. [Google Scholar]
  26. Carvalho, C.O.; Chagas, A.C.S.; Cotinguiba, F.; Furlan, M.; Brito, L.G.; Chaves, F.C.M.; Stephan, M.P.; Bizzo, H.R.; Amarante, A.F.T. The anthelmintic effect of plant extracts on Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides venezuelensis. Vet. Parasitol. 2012, 183, 260–268. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  27. Stegelmeier, B.L. Identifying Plant Poisoning in livestock: Diagnostic approaches and laboratory tests. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Food Anim. Pract. 2011, 27, 407–417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. INEGI. Anuario Estadístico y Geográfico de Nayarit 2015; Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía: Tepic, Mexico, 2015; p. 450.
  29. DOF. Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-051-ZOO-1995; Norma Oficial Para Trato Humanitario en la Movilización de Animales; Normalización: México D.F., México, 1995; p. 21. [Google Scholar]
  30. DOF. Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-062-ZOO-1999; Especificaciones Técnicas Para la Producción, Cuidado y Uso de los Animales de Laboratorio; Normalización: México D.F., México, 1999; p. 61. [Google Scholar]
  31. Idowu, D.O.; Abegunrin, P.T. A Study of some hydro-thermal properties of sandbox (Hura crepitans) seed. Agric. Eng. Int. CIGR J. 2014, 16, 255–260. [Google Scholar]
  32. Kenyon, P.R.; Maloney, S.K.; Blache, D. Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics. N. Z. J. Agric. Res. 2014, 57, 38–64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. National Research Council (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants. Sheep, Goats, Cervids, and New World Camelids; National Academies Press: Washington, DC, USA, 2007; ISBN 978-0-309-10213-1. [Google Scholar]
  34. Dryden, M.W.; Payne, P.A.; Ridley, R.; Smith, V. Comparison of common fecal flotation techniques for the recovery of parasite eggs and oocysts. Vet. Ther. 2005, 6, 15–28. [Google Scholar]
  35. Da Silva, N.R.S.; Miller, J.E. Survey of Eimeria spp. Oocysts in feces from Louisiana State University ewes. Vet. Parasitol. 1991, 40, 147–150. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Wright, S.E.; Coop, R.L. Cryptosporidiosis and coccidiosis. In Diseases of sheep; Aitken, I.D., Ed.; Blackwell Publishing: Ames, IA, USA, 2007; pp. 179–185. ISBN 978-0-12-370491-7. [Google Scholar]
  37. Daniel, W.W. Bioestadística: Base para el Análisis de las Ciencias de la Salud; Limusa SA: México DF, México, 2006; pp. 202–242. [Google Scholar]
  38. Mahmoud, O.M.; Haroun, E.M.; Sobaih, M.A.; Omer, O.H.; Adam, S.E.I. Comparative efficacy of Calotropis procera latex and sulfadimidine against experimentally-induced Eimeria ovinoidalis Infection in Najdi lambs. Small Rumin. Res. 2001, 42, 135–140. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Fowomola, M.A.; Akindahunsi, A.A. Nutritional quality of sandbox tree (Hura crepitans Linn.). J. Med. Food 2007, 10, 159–164. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Carvalho de Lucena, K.F.; Rodrigues, J.M.N.; Campos, É.M.; Dantas, A.F.M.; Pfister, J.A.; Cook, D.; Medeiros, R.M.T.; Riet-Correa, F. Poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia in lambs by the ingestion of milk from ewes that ingest the plant. Toxicon 2014, 92, 129–132. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  41. Geraldo Neto, S.A.; Lima, J.M.; Câmara, A.C.L.; Gadelha, I.C.N.; Olinda, R.G.; Batista, J.S.; Soto-Blanco, B. Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Marsdenia megalantha Goyder & Morillo in ruminants and a pig. Toxicon 2013, 63, 116–119. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  42. Rivera, O.C.; Trón, J.D.L.; Arellano, R.L.; Pérez, J.T. Utilización de bolos ruminales de liberación de sulfametazina sódica en el control de la coccidiosis ovina [The use of sodium sulfamethazine sustained-release ruminal bolus in the control of ovine coccidiosis]. Arq. Ciênc. Vet. Zool. UNIPAR 2005, 8, 147–153. [Google Scholar]
  43. Oderinde, R.A.; Ajayi, I.A.; Adewuyi, A. Characterization of seed and seed oil of Hura crepitans and the kinetics of degradation of the oil during heating. Electron. J. Environ. Agric. Food Chem. 2009, 8, 201–208. [Google Scholar]
  44. Spanò, D.; Pintus, F.; Esposito, F.; Loche, D.; Floris, G.; Medda, R. Euphorbia characias latex: Micromorphology of rubber particles and rubber transferase activity. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 2015, 87, 26–34. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  45. Abelho, M.; Cressa, C.; Graça, M.A.S. Microbial biomass, respiration, and decomposition of Hura crepitans L. (Euphorbiaceae) leaves in a tropical stream. Biotropica 2005, 37, 397–402. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Udoh, A.P.; Udousoro, I.I.; Sunday, I.U. Some aspects of the nutritional properties of the seed and raw seed oil of Hura crepitans. Niger. J. Chem. Res. 2019, 24, 15–25. [Google Scholar]
  47. Fraquelli, C.; Zanzani, S.A.; Gazzonis, A.L.; Rizzi, R.; Manfredi, M.T. Effects of condensed tannin on natural coccidian infection in goat kids. Small Rumin. Res. 2015, 126, 19–24. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Escalera-Valente, F.; Martínez-González, S.; Carrilo-Diaz, F.B.; Salgado-Moreno, S.M.; Ávila-Ramos, F.; Gómez-Gurrola, A.; Loya-Olguín, J.L. Uso del piso de rejilla como método físico de control de parásitos gastrointestinales en corderos recién destetados [Use of the grid floor as a physical method to control gastrointestinal parasites in recently weaned lambs]. Investig. Cienc. Univ. Autónoma de Aguascalientes 2017, 72, 12–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  49. Macías-Cruz, U.; Álvarez-Valenzuela, F.; Rodríguez-García, J.; Correa-Calderón, A.; Torrentera-Olivera, N.; Molina-Ramírez, L.; Avendaño-Reyes, L. Crecimiento y características de canal en corderos Pelibuey puros y cruzados F1 con razas Dorper y Katahdin en confinamiento [Growth and carcass traits in pure Pelibuey lambs and crosses F1 with Dorper and Katahdin breeds in confinement]. Arch. Med. Vet. 2010, 42, 147–154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Novelo-Chi, L.K.; González-Pech, P.G.; Ventura-Cordero, J.; Torres-Acosta, J.F.J.; Sandoval-Castro, C.A. Feeding behavior in dewormed goats vs naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes at free grazing of a deciduous tropical forest. Trop. Subtrop. Agroecosyst. 2014, 17, 332–333. [Google Scholar]
  51. Méndez-Ortíz, F.A.; Sandoval-Castro, C.A.; Vargas-Magaña, J.J.; Sarmiento-Franco, L.; Torres-Acosta, J.F.J.; Ventura-Cordero, J. Impact of Gastrointestinal Parasitism on Dry Matter Intake and Live Weight Gain of Lambs: A Meta-analysis to Estimate the metabolic cost of gastrointestinal nematodes. Vet. Parasitol. 2019, 265, 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  52. Macedo, R.; Arredondo, V. Efecto del sexo, tipo de nacimiento y lactancia sobre el crecimiento de ovinos Pelibuey en manejo intensivo [Effect of sex, type of birth and lactation on growth of Pelibuey sheep under intensive management]. Arch. Zootec. 2008, 57, 219–228. [Google Scholar]
  53. Pascual-Córdova, A.; Oliva-Hernández, J.; Hernández-Sánchez, D.; Torres-Hernández, G.; Suárez-Oporta, M.; Hinojosa-Cuéllar, J. Crecimiento postdestete y eficiencia reproductiva de corderas Pelibuey con un sistema de alimentación intensiva [Postweaning growth and reproductive performance of Pelibuey ewe lambs under an intensive feeding system]. Arch. Med. Vet. 2009, 41, 205–212. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Bustamante, J.J. Crecimiento y finalización de corderos con dietas a base de granos. Campo experimental “El Verdineño”. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias. Nayarit, México. Folleto Científico 1. 2002, Volume 5, p. 20. Available online: https://www.brazilianjournals.com/ojs/index.php/BJAER/article/view/50205 (accessed on 3 June 2022).
  55. Partida de la Peña, J.A.; Brana Varela, D.; Martinez Rojas, L. Productive performance and carcass characteristics in Pelibuey sheep and crossbreds (Pelibuey * Suffolk—Dorset). Tec. Pecu. Mex. 2009, 47, 313–322. [Google Scholar]
  56. Avendaño, R.L.; Álvarez, F.D.; Molina, L.; Saucedo, J.S.; Correa, A. Engorda de corderos Pelibuey y sus cruzas con Dorper y Katahdin bajo condiciones de estrés calórico. In Proceedings of the Memorias XXVIII Congreso Nacional de Buiatría, Michoacán, Mexico, 12–14 August 2004; pp. 10–13. [Google Scholar]
  57. Kaneko, J.J.; Harvey, W.J.; Bruss, M.L. (Eds.) Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals, 6th ed.; Elsevier- Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA, 2008; ISBN 978-0-12-370491-7. [Google Scholar]
  58. Varanis, L.F.M.; Schultz, E.B.; Oliveira, K.A.; Sousa, L.F.; da Cruz, W.F.; Macedo Junior, G.d.L. Serum biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics. Semin. Cienc. Agrar. 2021, 42, 1725–1740. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Hrkovic-Porobija, A.; Hodzic, A.; Hadzimusic, N. Functional liver stress in dairy sheep. Indian J. Small Rumin. 2017, 23, 194–197. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  60. Aslani, M.R.; Maleki, M.; Mohri, M.; Sharifi, K.; Najjar-Nezhad, V.; Afshari, E. Castor bean (Ricinus communis) toxicosis in a sheep flock. Toxicon 2007, 49, 400–406. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Guerrero, L.; Rossini, M.; Bethencourt, A.; Colmenares, O.; Rueda de Arvelo, E.; Ríos de Álvarez, L. Efecto de la suplementación con semilla de Canavalia ensiformis sobre parámetros sanguíneos de ovinos tropicales con infecciones parasitarias gastrointestinales [Effect of supplementation with Canavalia ensiformis seeds on blood variables of parasitised tropical lambs]. Rev. Fac. Cienc. Vet. 2016, 57, 101–113. [Google Scholar]
  62. Vasconcelos, J.T.; Greene, L.W.; Cole, N.A.; McCollum, F.T.; Silva, J.C. Effects of phase feeding of protein on performance, blood urea nitrogen, and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 2004, 82, 63–64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  63. Braun, J.P.; Lefebvre, H.P. Kidney Function and Damage. In Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals; Kaneko, J.J., Harvey, W.J., Bruss, M.L., Eds.; Elsevier-Academic Press: San Diego, CA, USA, 2008; pp. 485–528. ISBN 978-0-12-370491-7. [Google Scholar]
  64. Price, C.P.; Newall, R.G.; Boyd, J.C. Use of protein: Creatinine ratio measurements on random urine samples for prediction of significant proteinuria: A systematic review. Clin. Chem. 2005, 51, 1577–1586. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  65. Gregory, L.; Birgel, E.J.; D’Angelo, J.L.; Benesi, F.J.; De Araujo, W.P.; Birgel, E.H. Valores de referencia dos teores séricos de uréia e creatinina em bovinos da raça Jersey criados no estado de Sao Paulo. Influencia Dos fatores etários, sexuais e da infeccao pelos virus da leucose dos bovinos [Reference values of the urea and creatine serun levels of Jersey breed, raised in the São Paulo State. The influence of age, sexual factors and of the infection by the bovine leukosis virus]. Arq. Inst. Biol. 2004, 71, 339–345. [Google Scholar]
Vetsci 09 00488 g001 550
Figure 1. Eimeria species identified.
Figure 1. Eimeria species identified.
Vetsci 09 00488 g001
Vetsci 09 00488 g002 550
Figure 2. Eimeria oocyst excretion reduction trends for the treatments administered. The dashed line indicates the oocysts eliminated each day (opg) in accordance with the seed dose.
Figure 2. Eimeria oocyst excretion reduction trends for the treatments administered. The dashed line indicates the oocysts eliminated each day (opg) in accordance with the seed dose.
Vetsci 09 00488 g002
Table
Table 1. Ingredients and chemical composition of the diet.
Table 1. Ingredients and chemical composition of the diet.
IngredientInclusion Percentage 1
Cracked corn22.88
Ground sorghum22.88
Soybean meal17.29
Liquid molasses4.56
Alfalfa hay17.35
Tallow0.99
Minerals2.48
Chemical composition
Dry matter91.31
Crude protein17.89
ADF7.45
NDF11.93
NME1.93
NGE1.20
ME2.83
Footnotes: 1 Percentage in dry matter; ADF: acid detergent fibre; NDF: neutral detergent fibre; NME: net maintenance energy, expressed in Mcal/kg; NGE: net gain energy, expressed in Mcal/kg; ME: metabolizable energy, expressed in Mcal/kg.
Table
Table 2. Excretion of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (opg) in each experimental group.
Table 2. Excretion of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (opg) in each experimental group.
TreatmentAverageStand. Dev.MinimumMaximum
Gr. 11886 a2280010,650
Gr. 22134 a2760013,650
Gr. 0, Control1110 b151109500
Treatments—quantity of seeds administered to each experimental group: Gr. 1 (4 g/kg); Gr. 2 (6 g/kg); Gr. 0 (control = 0 g/kg). Different letters in the same column indicate statistical differences (p < 0.05).
Table
Table 3. Productive performance (means ± SD, in g) of Pelibuey lambs with different doses of Hura crepitans seeds.
Table 3. Productive performance (means ± SD, in g) of Pelibuey lambs with different doses of Hura crepitans seeds.
TreatmentDFITWGDWGFCE
Gr. 110893.40.167571
(205)(0.9)(0.04)(4004)
Gr. 211033.50.177168
(216)(1.1)(0.05)(2299)
Gr. 0, Control11313.70.176876
(143)(0.8)(0.37)(1554)
p0.0880.8930.8940.898
Treatments—quantity of seeds administered to each experimental group: Gr. 1 (4 g/kg); Gr. 2 (6 g/kg); Gr. 0 (control = 0 g/kg). DFI = daily feed intake (g), TWG = total weight gain (kg), DWG = daily weight gain (g), FCE = feed conversion efficiency; (p < 0.05).
Table
Table 4. Blood parameters (means ± SD) of Pelibuey lambs treated with different doses of Hura crepitans seeds.
Table 4. Blood parameters (means ± SD) of Pelibuey lambs treated with different doses of Hura crepitans seeds.
Days of Treatment
013789
ALT
(UI/L)		Gr. 119.9 ± 3.620.2 ± 8.314.1 ± 5.026.9 ± 3.715.5 ± 4.910.6 ± 4.3
Gr. 224.1 ± 8.122.4 ± 8.517.3 ± 6.224.6 ± 5.516.9 ± 3.03.2 ± 4.7
Gr. 0, control23.2 ± 8.317.9 ± 5.714.4 ± 6.419.6 ± 9.516.6 ± 5.413.2 ± 9.3
AST
(UI/L)		Gr. 158.1 ± 16.980.7 ± 25.749.3 ± 21.660.2 ± 37.311.3 ± 8.224.8 ± 11.5
Gr. 252.6 ± 8.063.3 ± 30.157.1 ± 18.764.9 ± 15.59.2 ± 4.220.6 ± 11.9
Gr. 0, control50.5 ± 19.585.6 ± 42.160.7 ± 25.057.2 ± 13.37.9 ± 4.813.6 ± 4.5
GGT
(UI/L)		Gr. 126.9 ± 9.023.5 ± 3.431.3 ± 4.525.3 ± 18.018.9 ± 2.631.0 ± 6.3
Gr. 227.2 ± 9.921.0 ± 13.830.3 ± 12.319.9 ± 5.517.2 ± 2.628.9 ± 4.2
Gr. 0, control25.6 ± 4.727.6 ± 6.335.6 ± 5.419.9 ± 4.515.5 ± 9.632.3 ± 4.7
ALP
(UI/L)		Gr. 1123.6 ± 41236.2 ± 9981.7 ± 44136.7 ± 33133.2 ± 39337.3 ± 98
Gr. 2124.1 ± 25264.4 ± 137107.8 ± 37130.9 ± 39152.1 ± 79319.8 ± 98
Gr. 3, control126.3 ± 31270.5 ± 11883.7 ± 32127.2 ± 21133.6 ± 62374.4 ± 107
Creatinine
(µmol/L)		Gr. 125.7 ± 19.411.4 ± 4.415.8 ± 14.120.9 ± 2.75.8 ± 0.96.9 ± 0.9
Gr. 214.1 ± 11.39.4 ± 0.912.4 ± 2.712.6 ± 8.011.1 ± 11.58.0 ± 0.9
Gr. 0, control12.4 ± 5.39.6 ± 2.710.5 ± 0.98.9 ± 0.910.2 ± 9.77.2 ± 0.9
BUN
(mmol/L)		Gr. 12.80 ± 0.32.80 ± 0.92.60 ± 0.98.82 ± 1.04.45 ± 0.73.13 ± 0.4
Gr. 22.83 ± 0.43.20 ± 0.32.59 ± 0.88.26 ± 1.44.58 ± 0.53.12 ± 0.31
Gr. 0, control2.67 ± 0.43.15 ± 0.72.21 ± 0.38.70 ± 1.64.97 ± 0.93.16 ± 0.21
Urea
(mmol/L)		Gr. 11.30 ± 0.11.30 ± 0.41.21 ± 0.44.10 ± 0.52.07 ± 0.31.46 ± 0.2
Gr. 21.32 ± 0.21.49 ± 0.21.21 ± 0.43.85 ± 0.62.13 ± 0.21.45 ± 0.1
Gr. 0, control1.24 ± 0.21.47 ± 0.31.03 ± 0.24.05 ± 0.82.32 ± 0.41.47 ± 0.1
Treatments—quantity of seeds administered to each experimental group: Gr. 1 (4 g/kg); Gr. 2 (6 g/kg); Gr. 0 (control = 0 g/kg). ALT = alanine amino transferase, IU/L; AST = aspartate amino transferase, IU/L; GGT = Gamma glutamyl transferase, IU/L; ALP = alkaline phosphatase, IU/L; BUN = blood urea nitrogen, mmol/L. No significant differences were observed (p < 0.05).
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Velazquez-González, M.-Y.; Loya-Olguin, J.-L.; Valdes-Garcia, Y.-S.; Martinez-Gonzalez, S.; Avila-Ramos, F.; Escalera-Valente, F.; Gonzalez-Montaña, J.-R. Hura crepitans Seeds for Control of Eimeria spp. in Lambs as an Alternative to Conventional Therapies. Vet. Sci. 2022, 9, 488. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090488

AMA Style

Velazquez-González M-Y, Loya-Olguin J-L, Valdes-Garcia Y-S, Martinez-Gonzalez S, Avila-Ramos F, Escalera-Valente F, Gonzalez-Montaña J-R. Hura crepitans Seeds for Control of Eimeria spp. in Lambs as an Alternative to Conventional Therapies. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):488. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090488

Chicago/Turabian Style

Velazquez-González, Martha-Yanira, Jose-Lenin Loya-Olguin, Yissel-Sacnicte Valdes-Garcia, Sergio Martinez-Gonzalez, Fidel Avila-Ramos, Francisco Escalera-Valente, and Jose-Ramiro Gonzalez-Montaña. 2022. "Hura crepitans Seeds for Control of Eimeria spp. in Lambs as an Alternative to Conventional Therapies" Veterinary Sciences 9, no. 9: 488. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090488

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop