Feeding chicory (Cichorium intybus) selectively reduces Ostertagia ostertagi infection levels in cattle

Summary in the original language of the document

Objectives: Studies were conducted to test the potential use of chicory against gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle. Methods: In study 1, fifteen 2-4 months-old dairy calves were allocated into a chicory (CHI, n=9) or control (CTL, n=6) group. CHI and CTL were stabled and fed with chicory silage or hay, resp., ad lib for 56 days. Protein/energy intakes were equalized between groups throughout the study. After 14 days on the diet all calves were infected with 10,000 Ostertagia ostertagi and 66,000 Cooperia oncophora third-stage (L3) larvae. In study 2, twenty 4-6 months-old dairy calves grazed a second-year, pure chicory sward (CHI, n=10) or a ryegrass/white clover pasture (CTL, n=10) for 43 days. After 7 days on the diet all calves were infected with 20,000 O. ostertagi L3. In both studies, individual live weights were recorded and faecal egg counts were calculated as number of eggs per g of dried feces (FECDM). At day 56 (study 1) calves were killed for worm recovery. Live weights and log-transformed FECDM were analysed by ANOVA using repeated measurements. Log-transformed worm counts were analysed by t-test. Results: In study 1 daily live weight gains were 500 and 329 g/day in CHI and CTL animals, resp. (p=0.02). Mean FECDM were not significantly different between groups (p=0.19). O. ostertagi geo mean worm counts were 1599 (± 296) and 3752 (± 258) in CHI and CTL groups, resp. (p<0.001). C. oncophora geo mean worm counts were not statistically different between groups (p=0.10). In study 2 daily live weight gains were 366 and 748 g/day in CHI and CTL calves, resp. (p<0.001). Mean FECDM of CHI and CTL at day 20 post-infection were 1589 and 1474, resp. (p>0.05). From this point, egg excretion in CHI calves was significantly reduced and by day 36 post-infection FECDM was decreased by 48-65% compared to CTL (P<0.05). Discussion: Feeding on a chicory diet demonstrated a marked anthelmintic effect against O. ostertagi in both trials, whereas C. oncophora in study 1 was unaffected. Apparently, chicory does not interfere with worm establishment of O. ostertagi but significantly reduces egg excretion and adult worm counts. The lower weight gains in study 2 probably reflect lower energy consumption in this group and suggest that duration of grazing of pure chicory should be limited to selectively target established O. ostertagi adult populations.