THE EFFECT OF SEA BUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES) EXTRACT ON CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. INVASION IN CALVES

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) extract on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves. Sea buckthorn is a good source of vitamins, carotenoids, organic acids and tannins. It has been reported that it possesses anti-inflammatory effect, as well as anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. Research was conducted in a dairy cattle farm ` Mezaciruli' during April and July 2015. Experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups of calves were used. The experimental group received a mix of aqueous alcohol sea buckthorn leaf and berry pomace extract, administered with milk, at dose of 5-8 mL twice a day for 20 days. The control group received only milk. Samples were analysed with the concentration McMaster technique. The results showed that there is no significant (p>0.05) difference in the number of oocysts per gram of feces between the experimental and control groups. It was concluded that the administration of sea buckthorn leaf and berry pomace extract had no effect on Cryptosporidium spp. invasion in calves. Studies will be continued with a higher dose of extract.