1 research outputs found
Influence of Anti-Plasmodial Metal Complex on Rumen Microbial Populations and Serum Parameters in Sheep
A locally synthesized transition metal complex, cobalt-lumefantrine was
assessed through laboratory and feeding trials to ascertain its
usefulness as an agent for manipulation of the rumen in sheep grazing
tropical pasture. The antimicrobial properties of the metal complex
were examined on fresh rumen fluids at different concentrations (0,
0.010, 0.025 and 0.050 mg metal complex/50 ml) to estimate the optimum
dosage for the sheep. Thereafter, twelve adult male sheep (11.27 \ub1
0.62 kg, initial body weight) were divided into three similar treatment
groups. Sheep were drenched individually with 2.5 mg metal complex/head
dissolved in 10 ml distilled water, either once or at two-week interval
over 28 days. The control group received water without the metal
complex. Total protozoa population was lowest (P < 0.05) when 50 ml
rumen sample was incubated with 0.025 mg cobalt-lumefantrine metal
complex. Serum alanine amino transferase, ALT (23.73 and 18.16 vs.
16.92 \ub5g/L) and cholesterol (0.94 and 1.18 vs. 1.40 mmol/L) levels
were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the antiplasmodial metal
complex treatments (single and repeated treatments vs. the control). It
was concluded that 2.5 mg cobalt-lumefantrine complex treatment had no
adverse effects on rumen pH, favourably modified rumen microbial
populations and improved serum cholesterol level in the sheep