Experimental bovine coccidiosis: control with monensin

Young Holstein-Friesian bull calves were used in a controlled experiment to evaluate the efficacy of monensin against coccidiosis. The calves were given oocysts of Eimeria bovis and/or E. zurnii. Medication was started 3 days prior to inoculation and continued during the 30-day experimental period. Oocyst shedding was quantified prior to and throughout the experiment and demonstrated that monensin at the rate of 20 or 30 g ton-1 of feed significantly reduced oocyst shedding and clinical coccidiosis. Clinical infection with E. zurnii was very difficult to establish, even when calves were treated with 20 mg dexamethasone IM on Days 12, 15, and 16 post-inoculation.