Authors : Luisa Rambozzi, Anna Rita Molinar Min and Arianna Menzano
Abstract: A 75 day study was conducted comparing the anticoccidial efficacy of monensin and Yucca schidigera saponins (YS) in calves with naturally infection. A total 27 beef cattle selected for body weight and degree of oocysts shedding were allocated to three groups of 9 animals each: MON (Monensin, 140 mg/animal/day), YS (Yucca schidigera saponins, 15 g/animal/day) and CTRL (non-treated control). Individual faecal samples were collected at day 0, 15, 30, 45 and 75 to evaluate oocysts excretions (OPG), faecal consistency score and dry faecal percentage; body weight was recorded at day 0 and 75. On day 15, OPG were significantly lower in YS and MON compared to CTRL (p = 0.014 and 0.017, respectively). From day 30 to the end of the study, OPG values were similar in all groups and a complete coccidial elimination was not recorded in any group. Faecal scores and dry-faecal percentages did not differ significantly between groups throughout the study. The highest mean daily weight gain was recorded for MON (1.73 kg/hd/day) with respect to YS (1.45 kg/hd/day) and CTRL (1.32 kg/hd/day). This study suggests that Yucca schidigera saponins under conditions of natural exposure to coccidiosis and normal management practices have anticoccidial activity and that a little advantage in gain can be obtained.
Luisa Rambozzi, Anna Rita Molinar Min and Arianna Menzano, 2011. In vivo Anticoccidial Activity of Yucca schidigera Saponins in Naturally Infected Calves. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 391-394.