Among the enteric diseases of cow calves, in a tropical country like India ascariasis have been focused as a major factor to cause heavy losses (Soulsby, 1986). The impact of helminthiasis poses a great threat to calf survivability, livestock production and causes heavy economic loss in India. Several natural medicinal compounds have been tried clinically for ascariasis in calves (Robert, 1993). In the present study the effect of ayurvedic medicine Krumikuthar rasa is presented.

A total of 110 cow calves with a history of off feed, poor growth rate and passing of loose faeces were examined clinically as well as the faecal samples of these calves were examined microscopically for the presence of worm burden as per standard techniques as described by Soulsby (1986). Out of these cow calves, forty five animals, which were found positive for Neoascaris vituolorum (ascaris) ova microscopically, were selected for present study. Krumikuthar rasa (Vaipa & Zandu Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Bombay) was given at @ 13 mg/kg body weight, orally to all the calves. Faecal samples were examined for presence of parasitic ova and for faecal egg count. Anthelmintic efficacy was estimated on the basis of reduction of the faecal egg count on day 0, 1, 3, 6 and on 9^th day post treatment.

Anthelmintic efficacy was estimated on the basis of reduction of the faecal egg count on day 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and on 14^th day post treatment which revealed no parasitic ova on 14^th day with Krumikuthar rasa. The average reduction in egg count revealed on day 0, the Egg per gram (EPG) was found 24750, 17240, 11324, 6223, 1205 and no ova were found on examination on 1^st, 3^rd, 6^th, 9^th and 14^th day, respectively.

Many natural medicines have been used to treat calves infected with T. vituolorum and a few have been shown to have specific anthelmintic activity (Roberts, 1993). Krumikuthar rasa is composed of Indrajawa (Holarrhena antidysentrica), Triamana (Gentiana kuroo), Ajwan (Carum capticum), Wavadinga (Embelai ribes), Pure Asafoetida, Indian aconite (Aconitum charmanthum), Nagkesar, Camphore, seed of Butea monosperma, Mushakarni (Merremai gangetica) and Brahmi (Centella asiatica). Above compounds have anthelmintic, carmnative, antidiarrhoeic properties (Anjaria et al., 2002).

The short duration of transmission of larvae from cows to calves makes it possible to effectively eliminate infection and to prevent recontamination of environment by treating immature parasites (Roberts, 1992). It is there fore advisable to use the ayurvedic preparations like krumikuthar rasa with no adverse effect and general condition of treated animals improved gradually after treatment.

In short Krumikuthar Rasa was tried in 45 cow calves of below six month of age and of either sex. The drug was given orally once @ 13 mg/kg body weight after weighing the body weight of each calves. The qualitative and quantitative study of parasitic load was studied after administration of drug. The drug was effective in eliminating the parasites on 14^th day with complete clinical recovery.

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