Effect of Gum Arabica (GA) Drench on Indicators of Anemia in Goats

Abstract

Abstract Gum arabica (GA) is a well-known traditional herbal medication from Acacia Senegal. Previous studies have shown that GA has physiological and therapeutic effects on animals. Anemia is a reduction below normal in the number of red blood cells. Infection by parasites, such as Haemonchus contortus, can result in anemia when there is a reduction below normal in the number of red blood cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of GA on anemia in goats. The packed cell volume (PCV) and FAMACHA© score were used as indicators of anemia. Clinically healthy Boer and Spanish goats (n = 20) from the NCA&T University Farm Small Ruminant Unit were used in the study. Following initial screening for infection, twenty goats (n = 20) were assigned randomly to two groups of ten (n = 20). Goats in the treatment group were drenched daily with 10 mL of GA extract for 6 weeks. A control group of ten age-matched goats received sterile water. The FAMACHA© score was evaluated and recorded weekly. Blood samples collected at the time of evaluation were assessed for packed cell volume weekly. Data were analyzed by using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4(PM < 0.05). Treatment with GA increased PCV and decreased FAMACHA© scores when compared to the control group. Thus, water extracts of GA may aid in alleviating anemia, caused by parasites or resulting from other causes, to enhance goat health and production. The effect on parasites and overall health is being evaluated.