Evaluation of nutraceutical properties of Leucaena leucocephala leaf pellets fed to goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus

Abstract

Background: Leucaena leucocephala, as a shrub legume rich in condensed tannins, is a candidate for the integrated control of gastrointestinal parasitic pathogen nematodes. Here, we investigated the anthelmintic potential of the nutraceutical L. leucocephala, transformed into pellets, against Haemonchus contortus. Results: Creole goat kids were fed an iso-nitrogenous diet of Dichantium hay with alfalfa pellets or Leucaena pellets or an alfalfa-leucaena mixture in varying ratios. The artificial infection of kids with H. contortus led to infection levels comparable to those observed in the farm environment on the basis of egg excretion. The anthelmintic activity of Leucaena, compared to alfalfa, was demonstrated by its potential to reduce egg excretions (1524 vs. 3651 eggs/g) and the larval development of excreted eggs (3.5 vs. 24%). This anthelmintic potential was reported when the ratio of Leucaena incorporation in the diet was high (50% DM intake). The voluntary dry matter intake (79.3 vs. 77.0 g Large Weigth 0.75), the total tract dry matter digestion (0.585 vs. 0.620), and the growth (57.1 vs. 71.3 g/d) of kids fed Leucaena compared to alfalfa indicate that Leucaena has a high feed value. The Leucaena, even at the highest intakes in the diets, has not shown any signs of poisoning in kids. Conclusions: Leucaena fulfilled the conditions to be a good nutraceutical, and pelleting is a good method for its use.

Réduction d’usage et alternatives aux antiparasitaires en élevage des ruminants.

“…Les performances de croissance atteignent 80 % du potentiel des animaux. Le leucène montre un effet anthelminthique significatif (OPG : -80 %) sur l'infestation par H. contortus (Marie-Magdeleine et al, 2020).…”

Anthelmintic Effect of Leucaena leucocephala Extract and Its Active Compound, Mimosine, on Vital Behavioral Activities in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Molecules 2022, 27, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 19 integrated techniques have been conducted to overcome this issue, including pasture management, gene manipulation, change of feeding nutrition, and natural products with anthelmintic properties [15]. The use of naturally derived dewormers from herbal plants has long been considered, mainly because of their effectiveness, availability, and low toxicity [4,16,17].…”

“…However, the parasitic worms have continuously developed anthelmintic resistance towards these drugs [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Several integrated techniques have been conducted to overcome this issue, including pasture management, gene manipulation, change of feeding nutrition, and natural products with anthelmintic properties [ 15 ].…”

Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids from Pithecellobium dulce (Robx.) Benth Leaves Exhibit Ovicidal Activity against Haemonchus contortus

“…In this context, both the search for alternatives to control GIN and studies about plants/plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites with potential anthelmintic effect have shown encouraging results [ 7 ]. Some plants of the family Fabaceae have been assessed against GIN, including H. contortus , with promising results [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In Mexico, some arboreal legumes, such as Lysiloma acapulcensis , L. latisilicum , Leucaena leucocephala , Caesalpinia coriaria , Acacia cochliacantha , A. farnesiana , and Prosopis laevigata , are being explored for their potential anthelmintic activity, also with promising results.…”