O. S. Sowande, S. O. Iposu, O. A. Sonibare, A. O. Oni, J. A. Olanite and A. O. Yusuf Efficacy of Newbouldia laevis Extract and Nutrient Density on Gastrointestinal Nematode In Sheep Managed Semi- Intensively

Introduction  Infection with gastro-intestinal nematodes is major constraint to sheep production in Nigeria and elsewhere.  Increase resistance of gastrointestinal parasite to conventional anthelmintics caused economic loses.  Suggested alternatives are:  biological control, grazing management (Marley et al., 2006)  vaccination (Hein and Harrison, 2005)  nutritional management (Hoste et al., 2005; Iposu et al., 2008)  genetic control (Grillo et al., 2007)  Plant extracts (Hounzangbe- Adote et al., 2005)

Objectives  To determine:  the effect of oral administration of extracts from N. laevis on performance, faecal parasite egg counts in semi-intensively managed sheep.  the effect of nutrient density on performance and faecal parasite egg counts in semi-intensively managed sheep.  the effect interaction of oral administration of extracts from N. laevis and nutrient density on performance and faecal parasite egg counts in semi-intensively managed sheep.

Materials and Methods  Leaves of matured Newbouldia laevis (Border tree) were collected, air dried, crushed and extracted with 70% ethanol.  Newbouldia laevis extract was administered at 0, 30 and 60mg/BW.  Concentrate supplement were Low Energy, Low Protein(7.71 ME/KJ and 75.8g/kg CP) and High Energy, High Protein (13.24 ME/KJ and 176.3g/kg CP).  24 WAD rams aged months were used.  Grazing of Stylosanthes hamata, Pennisetum pedisellatum and natural pasture was allowed 6hrs/day  Data was collected on concentrate DMI, weight changes, faecal egg count, PCV, WBC, RBC, Hb, glucose, total protein, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST).  Data was arranged as a 2 x 3 factorial format in a completely randomized design.

Table 2: Effect of Nutrient densities and levels of Newbouldia. laevis extract on faecal egg counts in WAD sheeep

Conclusion  Grazing sheep should be supplemented with high energy- high protein concentrate diet and drenched with 60mg/BW Newbouldia laevis extract monthly for improved performance and reduction of worm burden.