Effects of an allicin-based product on cryptosporidiosis in neonatal calves

Objective - To evaluate effectiveness of an allicin-based product in neonatal calves inoculated with Cryptosporidium parvum. Design - Randomized controlled study. Animals - 43 neonatal calves. Procedure - Calves were inoculated with 1.5 x 10⁶ or 7.5 x 10⁶ C parvum oocysts within 2 days after birth. Calves were given an allicin-based product once after 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 product. 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-based product did not alter duration of C parvum-induced diarrhea or enhance weight gain in neonatal calves. However, intensive prophylactic administration of an allicin-based product may delay onset of diarrhea in calves exposed to C parvum oocysts.