Effects of Elephantorrhiza elephantina as an anthelmintic against gastrointestinal parasites in goats

Msimelelo Buyisile Nkohla1 Masibonge Gxasheka 2 Zhi-Chao Lyu3* Ning Qin 4 Thobela Louis Tyasi4

Abstract

 

 

Accepted 5^th May, 2015

 

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of one of the most common traditional plant called Elephantorrhiza elephantina, as an anthelmintic against gastrointestinal parasites on goats. Infectious parasites like Haemonchus contortus (barberpole worm, stomach worms) in the gastrointestinal tract remain one of the main limiting factors in small stock especial goats because they are very difficult to manage because to their resistant ability to anthelminths. These parasites cause high mortality rates in livestock, of about 3-4 million animals each year, production is decreased, and animals are characterized by scanty diarrhea with reproduction failures and results in reduced weight gains. The cost of the infections includes treatment expenses and production losses. However, herbal remedies are used by many farmers, but information is lacking on the appropriate dosage of the plant material to be used for controlling gastrointestinal parasites, and that information is necessary for the effective control of these parasites.

 

Keywords: Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Haemonchus contortus, anthelminths, goats

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