Influence of Anti-Plasmodial Metal Complex on Rumen Microbial Populations and Serum Parameters in Sheep

A locally synthesized transition metal complex, cobalt-lumefantrine was assessed through laboratory and feeding trials to ascertain its usefulness as an agent for manipulation of the rumen in sheep grazing tropical pasture. The antimicrobial properties of the metal complex were examined on fresh rumen fluids at different concentrations (0, 0.010, 0.025 and 0.050 mg metal complex/50 ml) to estimate the optimum dosage for the sheep. Thereafter, twelve adult male sheep (11.27 ± 0.62 kg, initial body weight) were divided into three similar treatment groups. Sheep were drenched individually with 2.5 mg metal complex/head dissolved in 10 ml distilled water, either once or at two-week interval over 28 days. The control group received water without the metal complex. Total protozoa population was lowest (P < 0.05) when 50 ml rumen sample was incubated with 0.025 mg cobalt-lumefantrine metal complex. Serum alanine amino transferase, ALT (23.73 and 18.16 vs. 16.92 µg/L) and cholesterol (0.94 and 1.18 vs. 1.40 mmol/L) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the antiplasmodial metal complex treatments (single and repeated treatments vs. the control). It was concluded that 2.5 mg cobalt-lumefantrine complex treatment had no adverse effects on rumen pH, favourably modified rumen microbial populations and improved serum cholesterol level in the sheep.