EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC, HEMATOLOGICAL, AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF HERBAL DEWORMER ON THE CATTLE

Abstract

Cattle play an important role in the food chain as a major milk and meat producer. Helminths affect the health and production of livestock which need to be controlled efficiently and economically. The high usage of anthelmintic drugs has increased anthelmintic resistance to all available classes resulting in failed treatment options and economic losses. Herbs, which may be better options for animal and food safety, are among the best candidates to control these parasites. For this purpose, a research experiment was conducted. Twelve Sahiwal heifers were used for the evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of herbal dewormers composed of various parts of local herbs. Animals were divided into 4 groups A, B, C and D, all the groups, except group D were given herbal dewormer powder. In an experiment of 30 days, doses were given on a weekly basis. Fecal samples for egg counts, blood and serum samples were obtained fortnightly and subjected to statistical analysis. Results revealed that the animals receiving herbal dewormer @ 1400 mg/Kg had the best results and egg counts and hematological values were significantly (P<0.05) better than the control animals. The results of the study suggested that the herbal dewormer was efficient in reducing the worm counts as well as beneficial for the hematological profile of the cattle.