Evaluation of the in-field efficacy of oregano essential oil administration on the control of neonatal diarrhea syndrome in calves

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate under field conditions, whether daily administration of oregano essential oil is effective in preventing and/or diminishing the severity of neonatal diarrhea syndrome in calves aged less than 15days. Ninety-one newborn calves from three dairy farms were assigned into two groups; "Eco" group (n=46) calves were drenched with Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. Hirtum) essential oil (ECODIAR® liquid 5%) at the dose of 12.5mg/kg body weight once per day until the age of 10days. "Conts" group (n=45) calves were left untreated and served as controls. All animals were monitored daily for the incidence of diarrhea until the age of 15days and their fecal score was recorded. Fecal samples were collected on days 3, 6 and 10 for microbiological and parasitological evaluation. Average fecal score throughout the experiment, incidence of diarrhea, duration and severity of diarrhea episodes were significantly lower in Eco group compared to the controls. Daily administration of oregano essential oil in calves for the first 10days of their life effectively diminishes the severity of naturally acquired diarrhea under field conditions and, under certain hygiene practices, possess a preventive effect against neonatal diarrhea syndrome.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils against pathogens often related to cattle endometritis

“…The use of essential oils in cattle has increased in recent years, and the action in the treatment of diarrhea in calves [14] and mastitis [11] has been reported. However, there is little information on the use of essential oils as a therapy for endometritis.…”

Nutraceuticals

“…96 Initial experiments have demonstrated potential benefits of using oregano to minimize scours and improve health scores in neonatal ruminants. 38 Dairy calves supplemented with oregano water had increased fecal firmness, reduced Enterobacteriaceae shedding, and increased immunoglobulin concentrations. 36 However, adult dairy cattle supplemented with EO products containing either garlic, thyme, or oregano failed to cure experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis following either topical or intramammary administration.…”

Biologically active compounds of plant origin in medicine

“…Hence, it can be effective in the treatment of diarrhoea, stimulation of the immune system [Hiller and Melzig 2010], and control of the flu virus [Smee et al 2011]. It has been proven [Katsoulos et al 2017] that preventive effect against neonatal diarrhoea syndrome was also exerted by daily administration of oregano essential oil in calves for the first 10 days of their life.…”