Abstract

Control of Coccidiosis in Calves by Vaccination

Razia Sultana, Azhar Maqbool, Mansur-Ud-Din Ahmad, Aftab Ahmed Anjum, Shabnum Ilyas Ch and Muhammad Sarfraz Ahmad

The immunizing effect of inactivated sporulated oocyst and inactivated sonicated vaccines against bovine coccidiosis was observed in calves. Indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test was developed for detecting antibodies to coccidian. Serum antibody levels in calves were measured against soluble oocyst (sporulated) antigen. IHA antibody titer was significantly higher (P<0.05) in calves vaccinated with inactivated sonicated vaccines as compared to the calves vaccinated with inactivated sporulated vaccines. Results of the challenge experiments indicated that the inactivated sonicated vaccine gave protection to the challenge calves as immune calves contained high level of antibodies that resisted heavy dose of challenge. Disease was observed in control group (non-vaccinated) calves post challenge whereas vaccinated remained healthy. Then the oocyst count per gram of faeces was significantly higher (P<0.05) in control group (unvaccinated) as compared with the vaccinated groups.