Comparative efficacy of crude seed powders of Caesalpinia bonducella, Butea monosperma and Moringa oleifera against benzimidazole susceptible gastrointestinal nematodes of goats

Nematode resistance to anthelmintic drugs affects small ruminant production globally. This study evaluated in vivo effects of three plant seed powders as an alternative to gastrointestinal nematode treatment. Fifty goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) > 600 were randomly divided into five groups (G-1 to G-5) of 10 each, irrespective of age, sex and breed. Group-1 goats served as untreated control and Group-2 animals were administered fenbendazole orally at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg b. wt. Group G3, G4 and G5 goats were administered powdered seeds of Caesalpinia bonducella, Butea monosperma and Moringa oleifera, respectively orally @ 3 g/kg b. wt. Pre and post treatment dung samples were taken and EPG were counted by modified McMaster technique. The efficacy was assessed on the basis of reduction in EPG and changes in haematobiochemical parameters on the 10^th day post treatment. Maximum reduction in EPG was recorded as 83% with M. oleifera followed by 80% with B. monosperma and 79% with C. bonducella. Fenbendazole showed 97% reduction in EPG with 94% lower confidence limit. The results of this work revealed that three plant species possess potential anthelmintic properties in controlling the nematode parasites in goats.