Abstract
The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic (Allium sativum L.) for controlling gastroin?testinal parasites in adult female Boer goats. The impact of garlic treatment in goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus and Coccidia was evaluated by measuring fecal egg counts, packed cell volume, FAMACHA scores, and body weight. Goats were exposed to four dosage levels of concentrated (99.3%) garlic juice (2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 10 ml) during four weeks. There was a significant decrease in fecal counts of Coccidia eggs in goats treated with 10 ml of garlic juice (group 4; p<0.05). Garlic extract did not reduce fecal egg counts or alleviate anemia associated with H. contortus infection at the concentrations tested (p>0.05). However, at the intermediate dose of garlic (5 ml), goat body weight was significantly increased (group 3; p<0.05). Packed cell volume and FAMACHA scores did not show significant changes. These studies have implications for the control of Coccidia in goats. Garlic extract contributes to the alleviation of gastrointestinal infections in goats by reducing the Coccidia burden and may enhance animal performance in adult goats.
Highlights
Infection by gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats can result in severe losses
The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in adult female Boer goats
Variation was observed in fecal counts of H. contortus and Coccidia eggs by weeks and groups (Tables 1 and 2)
Summary
Infection by gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats can result in severe losses. Production losses result from decreased utilization of feeds and in severe cases from death. Goats have numerous internal parasites; two of the most important are the protozoan Coccidia (Dai et al, 2006) and the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Waller, 2004). Haemonchus contortus is a blood-sucking nematode of the abomasum in small ruminants. It is responsible for extensive losses and huge animal welfare problems globally. The continuous indiscriminate use of anthelmintic drugs has caused a growing problem of parasite resistance to conventional treatments (Jackson and Coop, 2000; Mortensen et al, 2003). Plant essential oils (and/or active components) can be used as alternatives or adjuncts to current anthelmintics (Anthony et al, 2005)
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