PLANT EXTRACTS AS ALTERNATIVE TO ANTI-ANTHELMINTICS DRUGS: FINDINGS FROM MAEDWANG SUBDISTRICTS, THIMPHU

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of endo-parasites in dairy cattle and evaluate anti-anthelmintic properties of common wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris) leaves, papaya (Carica papaya) seed and mustard (Brassica nigra) oil. The plants were collected, sun dried, pulverized and mixed with warm water to prepare plant suspensions. The suspensions were administered to 3 groups of cattle, with each group consisting 10 cattle. Out of 104 fecal samples analyzed, about 65.38% were positive, including Strongyles 2.88%, Ascaris 39.42%, Coccidia 11.53%, Fasciola 0.96% and mixed infection 10.57%. All plants suspensions were effective in reducing the egg count but mustard oil proved to be more effective. The study concluded that all three plant suspensions were effective against endo-parasite and have potentials to enhance milk production.