Nutraceutical properties of Leucaena leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Cajanus cajan and a foliage blend in goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus
Résumé
Protein and condensed tannin-rich foliage (TRF) are potentially useful as nutraceuticals. The main
objective of this study was to evaluate the diet and anthelmintic properties of three TRF types both
individually and in combination. We hypothesized that synergistic or antagonistic efects on feed and
anthelmintic values related to associations between TRF types may occur. Nutritional and anthelmintic
characteristics of Leucaena leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Cajanus cajan and a mixture of the
compounds were evaluated using alfalfa pellets as a control. TRF ingredients were combined with
Dichantium hay (48 and 52% of dry matter intake respectively) in mixed diets were consumed by Creole
goat kids. Measurements were carried out in animals without parasites and in animals artifcially
infected with Haemonchus contortus. Individual feed intake and the digestibility of each diet was
measured along with kid growth. There were no signifcant diferences between the growth rates of
pre-infected animals and animals fed mixed diets that included alfalfa. A strong anthelmintic activity is
observed with Leucaena leucocephala contrary to other TRFs. This work confrms variable dietary and
anthelmintic properties of TRF. The combination of TR