Effects of Medicated Feed on Coccidia Rates in Early Gestation Goats

The objective of the current study was examine the effects on a decoquinate medicated feed compared to a control feed on the coccidia rates in early gestation goats. Coccidia, especially common in goats, are microscopic parasites which destroy the epithelial cells in the lining of the small intestine. Damage to the intestinal lining impairs digestive function and slows growth rate of the goat (Luginbuhl, A. 2015). Clinical form of coccidiosis is accompanied by severe diarrhea and eventually death. Medications, such as decoquinate, have been used in animal feed to prevent coccidiosis. Medicated products, such as decoquinate, decreased shedding of oocyst into the intestinal environment and aided in the prevention of coccidiosis (Schoenian, 2005). Does in early gestation (n=10) were fed a non-medicated control feed or medicated feed (decoquinate recommendation at 22.7mg/45.4 kg of bodyweight) in a CR design. Groups were fed at a rate of .91 kg of feed/45.4 kg of BW/d for 44 d. Fecal grab samples were collected on d 1, 30, 37, and 44 for each group. Fecal grab samples were analyzed for coccidia oocysts numbers through a flotation technique similar to Zajac et al. (2012). Data was analyzed through Proc GLM in SAS9.1 with significance at P<.05. Goats fed the decoquinate medicated feed had a significant decrease in egg/gram (P<.0015). Results indicate that decoquinate reduced rates of coccidiosis (p=.0011) and overall decreased oocysts numbers.