EFFECTS OF AN ALLICIN-BASED PRODUCT ON CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN NEONATAL CALVES

Objective-To evaluate effectiveness of an allicin-based product in neo natal calves inoculated with Cryptosporidium parvum. Design-Randomized controlled study. Animals-43 neonatal calves. Procedure-Calves were i noculated with 1.5 X 10(6) Or 7.5 X 10(5) C parvum oocysts within 2 da ys alter birth. Calves were given an allicin-based product once alter 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 pro duct. However, intensive prophylactic administration may have delayed onset of C parvum-induced diarrhea in calves inoculated with the lower dose of oocysts. Clinical Implications-Administration of an allicin-b ased product did not alter duration of C parvum induced diarrhea or en hance weight gain in neonatal calves. However, intensive prophylactic administration oi an allicin-based product may delay onset of diarrhea in calves exposed to C parvum oocysts.