Effects of Radix dichroae extract supplementation on growth performance, oocysts output and gut microbiota in growing lambs with coccidiosis

In this study, the anti-coccidial effectiveness of theRadix dichroae extract was compared to that of the conventional anti-coccidial drug diclazuril. Here, eighteen 45-day-old lambs naturally-infected withEimeria spp. were randomly allocated in three groups: control group,Radix dichroae extract group and diclazuril group. The results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) during the treatment and withdrawal periods was considerably improved in the coccidiosis-infected sheep treated withRadix dichroae extract and diclazuril compared to the control group, respectively. Additionally, theRadix dichroae extract and diclazuril had fewer oocysts per gram (OPG) than the control group, showing similar anti-coccidial effects on days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 78, respectively. Furthermore,Radix dichroae extract and diclazuril treatment altered the structure and composition of gut microbiota, promoting the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes,Alistipes, andBifidobacterium, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidota, Marinilaceae, Helicobacteraceae, andPrevotella. Moreover, Spearman ’s correlation analysis further revealed a correlation between the OPG and BWG and gut microorganisms. Collectively, the results indicated thatRadix dichroae extract had similar anti-coccidial effects as diclazuril, and could regulate gut microbiota balance in growing lambs.
Source: Veterinary Research Communications - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research