The effect of Berchemia discolor leaf meal (Muni tree) on gastrointestinal nematode infections of Creole goats.

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of Berchemia discolor leaf meal (Muni tree) on gastrointestinal nematode infections in Creole goats. Materials and

Methods

A total of 16 yearling intact males of Creole goats (12 months old, body weight 19.63 ± 1.68 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets contained 0%, 15%, 20%, and 30% B. discolor leaf meal, formulated on a dry matter basis for 42 days. Fecal samples were freshly collected directly from the rectum on the last day using a modified McMaster technique to determine fecal egg counts (FEC) and fecal oocyst count (FOC). Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS version 30.0.

Results

Supplementing Creole goats with B. discolor influenced Strongyloides (p < 0.05). No Strongyloides eggs were detected in B. discolor at 20% or 0%, while higher counts were observed in B. discolor at 30% and 15%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in Trichuris sp. and oocyst counts among dietary treatments. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between B. discolor inclusion level and Strongyloides. counts, whereas a negative relationship was observed for Trichuris sp. and oocyst counts.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that B. discolor has the potential as a natural feed supplement for the management of gastrointestinal nematode infections in goat production systems.