Abstract
The delivery of praziquantel in feed has the potential to be both an economically and logistically feasible method of treating monogenean ectoparasitic infections in Seriola spp. if the associated palatability issues can be overcome. Praziquantel treatment has been proven effective in previous efficacy trials against Benedenia seriolae and Zeuxapta seriolae, reducing the overall stress levels and potential mortality in hatchery and sea cage environments, however palatability issues currently constrain its commercial use. This study aimed to examine the potential of garlic paste (GB1) as a masking agent for praziquantel feed inclusion by surface coating both control and medicated pellets at differing concentrations. Acclimation feeds were delivered and a daily feed ration of 10g was selected in order to observe approximately 100% consumption in the control group. The results of this palatability trial indicate that surface coating GB1 at a rate of 50ml/kg significantly improves the palatability of a diet containing 5g/kg of praziquantel, while inclusion at a rate of 20ml/kg was ineffective at improving palatability.