Leucaena leucocephala-Based Pellets Effect on the West African Dwarf (Djallonké) Sheep Gastro-intestinal Parasites

Abstract

Aims: Synthetic chemical molecules are used to control gastrointestinal parasites. However, this chemical control has led to parasite resistance within populations. Moreover, because of their toxicity for the environment and the residues’ risk in animal products, calls for a reduction in these chemicals’ use in livestock production are becoming more and more recurrent. So, the experiment tested Leucaena leucocephala leaves anti-helminthic properties. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at National Polytechnic Institute Felix Houphouët Boigny (INP-HB) Yamoussoukro, at the Graduate School of Agriculture farm. It lasted from April to September, 2022. Methodology: First, some pellets were made with dried Leucaena leucocephala leaves. Second, pellet phytochemicals were assessed. Third, the pellets were served to 12 lambs. Alongside, a second group of 12 lambs received Levamisole synthetic anti-helminthics. During the essay, the feces were collected in animals’ anus, at the start, 3 and 6 months after. The parasites’ eggs were counted per gram of feces (EGF). Forth, the lambs were weighed. Results: The pellets were rich in total polyphenols, condensed tannin, and total tannin for 2.796 mg GAE/g, 95.317 mg catE/g, and 81.017 mg TAE/g, respectively. Leucaena leucocephala-based pellets reduced Haemonchus contortus charge from 533 to 316 at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Similarly, Coccidia number was reduced from 2833 to 1300, at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p=0.002). But these pathogens increased in lambs’ feces receiving Levamisole synthetic anti-anthelminthic. For example, Haemonchus contortus’ EGF increased from 1016 to 1450, at 3 and 6 months. Finally, the lambs fed on Leucaena leucocephala-based pellets weighed 25.27 kg while the group receiving Levamisole weighed 20.07 kg. So, there was 5.2 kg weight loss (p=0.02). Also, hematocrit assessment showed significant improvements in animals receiving Leucaena leucocephala-based pellets for 31.16 vs. 20.16 for the control (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Leucaena leucocephala-based pellets demonstrated anthelmintic function.