Anthelmintic effects of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus) against gastrointestinal nematode parasites in experimentally infected cattle

Abstract

SUMMARYTwo experiments studied the effects of dietary chicory against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. In Experiment (Exp.) 1, stabled calves were fed chicory silage (CHI1;n= 9) or ryegrass/clover hay (CTL1;n= 6) with balanced protein/energy intakes between groups. After 16 days, all calves received 10 000Ostertagia ostertagiand 66 000Cooperia oncophorathird-stage larvae (L3) [day (D) 0 post-infection (p.i.)]. In Exp. 2, calves were assigned to pure chicory (CHI2;n=10) or ryegrass/clover (CTL2;n= 10) pastures. After 7 days, animals received 20 000O. ostertagiL3/calf (D0 p.i.) and were moved regularly preventing pasture-borne infections. Due to poor regrowth of the chicory pasture, CHI2was supplemented with chicory silage. At D40 p.i. (Exp. 1) and D35 p.i. (Exp. 2) calves were slaughtered for worm recovery. In Exp.1, fecal egg counts (FEC) were similar between groups. However,O. ostertagicounts were significantly reduced in CHI1by 60% (geometric mean;P< 0·01), whereasC. oncophoraburdens were unaffected (P= 0·12). In Exp. 2, FEC were markedly lowered in CHI2from D22 p.i onwards (P< 0·01).Ostertagia ostertagiadult burdens were significantly reduced in CHI2by 66% (P< 0·001). Sesquiterpene lactones were identified only in chicory (fresh/silage). Chicory shows promise as an anti-Ostertagiafeed for cattle and further studies should investigate its on-farm use.