Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of Berchemia discolor leaf meal (Muni tree) on gastrointestinal nematode infections in Creole goats.
Materials and Methods: A total of 16 yearling intact males of Creole goats (12 months old, body weight 19.63 ± 1.68 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets contained 0%, 15%, 20%, and 30% B. discolor leaf meal, formulated on a dry matter basis for 42 days. Fecal samples were freshly collected directly from the rectum on the last day using a modified McMaster technique to determine fecal egg counts (FEC) and fecal oocyst count (FOC). Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS version 30.0.
Results: Supplementing Creole goats with B. discolor influenced Strongyloides (p < 0.05). No Strongyloides eggs were detected in B. discolor at 20% or 0%, while higher counts were observed in B. discolor at 30% and 15%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in Trichuris sp. and oocyst counts among dietary treatments. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between B. discolor inclusion level and Strongyloides.
counts, whereas a negative relationship was observed for Trichuris sp. and oocyst counts.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that B. discolor has the potential as a natural feed supplement for the management of gastrointestinal nematode infections in goat production systems.

Key words: Berchemia discolor; anthelmintic efficacy; gastrointestinal nematodes; oocyst count reduction.