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Condensed tannins act against cattle nematodes
Adam Novobilský1, Irene Mueller-Harvey, Stig Milan Thamsborg
1University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Section of Parasitology, Health and Development, Dyrlaegevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. anovobilsky@yahoo.com
Veterinary Parasitology
|July 6, 2011
Summary
Condensed tannins from three plants effectively inhibited gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. These natural plant anthelmintics show promise for controlling parasitic infections in ruminants.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Phytochemistry
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) pose a significant threat to ruminant health and productivity.
- The development of resistance to conventional anthelmintics necessitates alternative control strategies.
- Natural plant anthelmintics, particularly those containing condensed tannins (CT), have shown efficacy against GIN in sheep and goats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effects of three condensed tannin-containing plants against bovine GIN.
- To investigate the impact of specific plant extracts on larval feeding and exsheathment of key cattle nematodes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro larval feeding inhibition assay (LFIA) and larval exsheathment assay (LEA) were employed.
- Condensed tannin (CT) extracts from Onobrychis viciifolia, Lotus pedunculatus, and Lotus corniculatus were tested.
- Effects were assessed on Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi larvae.
Main Results:
- All three plant extracts significantly inhibited larval feeding in a dose-dependent manner.
- Lotus pedunculatus extract demonstrated the highest efficacy, followed by O. viciifolia and L. corniculatus.
- Condensed tannins were confirmed as the active compounds responsible for the anthelmintic effects.
Conclusions:
- Tannin-containing plants exhibit significant in vitro anthelmintic activity against bovine gastrointestinal nematodes.
- These plant extracts represent a potential source for novel, natural control agents against cattle parasites.
- Further research into the application of these natural anthelmintics in ruminant production is warranted.
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