Effects of an allicin-based product on cryptosporidiosis in neonatal calves.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effectiveness of an allicin-based product in neonatal calves inoculated with Cryptosporidium parvum.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study.


METHODS
43 neonatal calves.


METHODS
Calves were inoculated with 1.5 x 10(8) or 7.5 x 10(5) C parvum oocysts within 2 days after birth. Calves were given an allicin-based product once after inoculation or daily for 7 days after inoculation or were not treated. Calves that developed diarrhea were treated by administration of the product. Fecal consistency scores and weight gains were statistically evaluated.


RESULTS
Mean daily weight gain and severity of diarrhea in calves 4 to 21 days old were unaffected by prophylactic use of the product. However, intensive prophylactic administration may have delayed onset of C parvum-induced diarrhea in calves inoculated with the lower dose of oocysts.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of an allicin-based product did not alter duration of C parvum-induced diarrhea or enhance weight gain in neonatal calves. However, intensive prophylactic administration of an allicin-based product may delay onset of diarrhea in calves exposed to C parvum oocysts.
Olson
E J
EJ
Department of Biology and Microbiology, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007, USA.
Epperson
W B
WB
Zeman
D H
DH
Fayer
R
R
Hildreth
M B
MB
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004220:Disulfides; D008297:Male; D013441:Sulfinic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004220:Disulfides; D013441:Sulfinic Acids; C006452:allicin