Effect of Feeding Dehydrated Cashew Apple-Based Pellets on Intestinal Parasites in Female Lambs

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pelleted feeds based on dehydrated cashew apple on parasite excretion rates, hematocrit values, and zootechnical performance in ewe lambs. Study Design: Twelve lambs, divided into two groups, were the subject of the study. Two lots of 6 lambs each were formed: one lot called pellets and the other lot called control. Place and Duration: The study took place at the experimental farm of École Supérieure d'Agronomie at Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro, from June 14 to December 21. Methodology: A total of 12 ewe lambs with 11.79 ± 2.22 kg average live weight, aged 3 to 5 months, were used. These ewe lambs were randomly allocated into two homogeneous groups, with the individual animal as the experimental unit. The first group was supplemented with the pellets and received no synthetic anthelmintic treatment (experimental group). The second group received dried cassava peels as a supplement and was treated with synthetic anthelmintics monthly for 6 months (control group). Fecal, blood, and weighing samples were collected from each animal at the trial start and monthly until the end. Results: The results showed that the sheep receiving the dehydrated cashew apple-based pellets had lower parasitic loads. Unlike the control group (30 ± 27 OPG), no Haemonchus contortus parasites were detected in the experimental group. Hematocrit evaluation also revealed higher values throughout the study (45.6%). No significant differences were observed in animal growth. The animals reached 21.43±3.81 kg average weight at the end. Conclusion: The use of dehydrated cashew apple-based pellets appears to be a feasible approach to reduce parasitic loads in sheep, improve hematocrit values, and support better growth.