Anthelmintic efficacy of pelleted cranberry leaf powder against experimental Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs

Anthelmintic efficacy of pelleted cranberry leaf powder against experimental Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs

Summary

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major health concern for small ruminant producers in the Northeast. Anthelmintic resistance can be seen in all species of GIN. In search for alternative methods of GIN control in small ruminants, one of the most promising findings has been the discovery that some forages containing condensed tannins, also called proanthocyanidins (PAC), suppress GIN infection. This project will investigate the anthelmintic efficacy of cranberry leaf powder (CLP) additive in grain against an experimental infection of Haemonchus contortus in lambs. This in vivo study will determine the anthelmintic effect of CLP on H. contortus. The cranberry leaves will be obtained from local cranberry producers after the fall harvest. The cranberry leaves will be dried and incorporated into a pelleted grain supplement at 0, 100, 200 or 400 grams of dried cranberry leaf powder per 0.91 kg of pellet. The control and cranberry leaf pellets will be fed to lambs (n=7 lambs per group). Lambs will be fed treatment or control grain for a 5-week experimental period. This addition of CLP into a grain as feed will potentially provide a feasible alternative for producers to use to control their small ruminant GIN infections. The product developed by this study can be used on organic farms, providing a natural alternative to chemical dewormers. The development of a grain supplement containing CLP and the determination of CLP’s anti-parasitic potential are expected to be completed according to the time table provided in the grant proposal.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The specific objectives of this study are:

• • To develop a grain supplement containing varying concentrations of cranberry leaf powder that lambs will readily consume.

• • To determine the anti-parasitic potential of varying concentrations of cranberry leaf powder provided daily, through a grain supplement, to lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Both objectives remain in progress as stated. In order to develop a grain supplement containing cranberry leaf powder, the cranberry leaves must be obtained. Anticipating the receipt of cranberry leaves from the A.D. Makepeace Company, we can then dry the leaves and incorporate the CLP into a grain supplement. January through May of 2015 will be devoted to obtaining and drying the cranberry leaves, grinding it into a powder and working with a local feed mill to form it into a pellet. Once this is accomplished the in vivo testing of CLP’s anti-parasitic potential can begin. The animal trial will occur during the summer of 2015.

Accomplishments/Milestones

The project can be viewed in two parts, based on objectives. The first part is the development of a grain supplement incorporating cranberry leaf powder. The initial contact with a local cranberry producer, A.D. Makepeace has been accomplished so far. This is the first step, as the cranberry leaves are needed before the rest of the project can progress. The cranberry leaves will be collected from mid March to early April 2015. The leaves will be dried and formulated into a pelleted grain. The expected completion of the development of the CLP grain supplement is May 2015. The second part of the project is the in vivo lamb study. Using the CLP grain supplement, we will determine the anti-parasitic potential of the varying concentrations of the CLP. The CLP grain supplement will be provided daily to lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus. The in vivo lamb study is expected to start in June 2015 and be completed by August 2015. The analysis of the data collected and any worm burden quantification is expected to be completed by December 2015. The project is currently progressing as expected, in sync with the time table described in the grant proposal. So far, there are no changes in the plan of work as events have not unfolded yet.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The project is still in the preparatory stages; therefore no results have been determined yet. In the overall vision of this project, we can estimate significant potential impacts which could contribute to agricultural sustainability. This project has the potential for major contributions to whole-farm sustainability and productivity. If the pelleted CLP has an anthelmintic effect against H. contortus infections in lambs, this could have the potential to provide an organic, natural alternative to synthetic dewormers. If the CLP is an effective treatment, this could potentially decrease producer reliance on synthetic dewormers. A reduced amount of chemical residue on pastures would be environmentally beneficial for the soil microorganisms that aid in pasture productivity and nitrogen fixation. As a result, the use of pelleted CLP may lead to an overall improvement in the whole-farm system, reducing environmental and health risks in agriculture. The GIN health concerns that are associated with putting lambs on pasture would also be addressed with the potential of this natural anthelmintic. Having lambs on pasture is a major health risk faced by small ruminant producers worldwide, establishing a crucial need for this proposed project. Through reducing health risks like GIN infections, this would ultimately improve productivity due to lower worm burden, as well as reduce costs and increase the net farm income in conjunction with a decreased use of chemical dewormers.

We will provide updates on the project progress through extension factsheets, scientific meetings and our small ruminant website. The results of this study will also be shared with producers attending integrated parasite control workshops conducted yearly with funding from USDA OREI. At these workshops producers are updated on the results of ongoing parasite control research. The beneficiaries of this project include small ruminant producers, extension agents, researchers as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Providing this alternative method of GIN control will also assist farmers to realize increased earnings through reduced use of synthetic dewormers and increased animal productivity attributed to lower worm burden.

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