Search

Some microbial cultures, mainly the use of probiotics, have been used in ruminant nutrition, generating a positive effect by solving imbalances due to dietary changes in the rumen. The objective was to identify and evaluate bacteria and ruminal protozoa present in sheep supplemented with biopreparation of microorganisms (PNC) vs commercial probiotic REVET® (PCRE) at different concentrations by Neubauer chamber count and PCR endpoint. Twenty-one Katahdin and Dorper cross sheep of 3 months of 18-25 kg were used, they were supplemented with PNC and PCRE, at different concentrations: PNC 100%, 66%, 33%, control, PCRE 100%, 66%, 33%. The ruminal liquid was obtained through a probe, the ruminal microorganisms were counted in a Neubauer chamber every six hours. Genomic DNA extraction using the Ultra Clean Microbial DNA kit, DNA quantification was performed in a spectrophotometer, and PCR reactions were performed with oligonucleotides synthesized by Invitrogen®. Statistical analysis was through the GENMODE procedure for counting bacteria and protozoa. The highest amount of protozoa was at 24 hours in PNC at 100%, followed by PNC 33% at 18 hours, for commercial probiotic PCRE at 66% at 12 hours. Regarding bacteria, they showed statistically equal values. Genomic DNA quantification was greater than 25 ng/µL. The inhibitory effect of the probiotic on Fibrobacter succinogenes at a concentration of 100% was demonstrated. Total bacteria were not affected by probiotic supplementation. Therefore, it is concluded that the non-commercial probiotic can be an alternative to supplement the diet of growing sheep, observing an increase in bacteria and protozoa. Likewise, probiotics are an additive that can be used successfully since they did not modify the population of total bacteria in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis in rabbit production is responsible for high morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. The use of natural antimicrobial substances in rabbits represents a promising way to improve their health and production. The aim of the present study was to assess the activity of Salix babylonica hydroalcoholic extract (SBHE) on the elimination of Eimeria spp. in rabbits. The phytochemical compounds and chemical composition of SBHE were determined. The cytotoxicity of SBHE was determined by a microwell assay using Artemia salina. Twenty-five New Zealand rabbits, 28 days old and 872 ± 171 g body weight (BW), were used in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were assigned to five groups of five rabbits, control group (A) received only basal diet (BD), B group received BD + 25 mg/kg BW of SBHE, C group received BD + 50 mg/kg BW of SBHE, D group received BD + 100 mg/kg BW of SBHE, and E group received BD + coccidiostat Baycox® (75 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. Feces samples were collected at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28; morphological and morphometric identifications of Eimeria were carried out by the flotation technique and counting of oocysts by the McMaster technique. The rabbits were found naturally infected with Eimeria spp. The SBHE present phytochemicals with anticoccidial activity, and the cytotoxicity test indicate that this extract is nontoxic. This study demonstrates that oral administration of SBHE at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW reduced the release of oocysts per gram of feces. This effect was observed at day 14 and had the most significant effect at day 28 for both concentrations. The results indicate that SBHE could be a natural alternative for the control of coccidiosis in rabbit production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]