Efficacy of garlic as an anthelmintic in adult Boer goats

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of garlic (Allium sativum L.) for controlling gastroin­testinal parasites in adult female Boer goats. The impact of garlic treatment in goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus and Coccidia was evaluated by measuring fecal egg counts, packed cell volume, FAMACHA scores, and body weight. Goats were exposed to four dosage levels of concentrated (99.3%) garlic juice (2.5 ml, 5 ml, and 10 ml) during four weeks. There was a significant decrease in fecal counts of Coccidia eggs in goats treated with 10 ml of garlic juice (group 4; p<0.05). Garlic extract did not reduce fecal egg counts or alleviate anemia associated with H. contortus infection at the concentrations tested (p>0.05). However, at the intermediate dose of garlic (5 ml), goat body weight was significantly increased (group 3; p<0.05). Packed cell volume and FAMACHA scores did not show significant changes. These studies have implications for the control of Coccidia in goats. Garlic extract contributes to the alleviation of gastrointestinal infections in goats by reducing the Coccidia burden and may enhance animal performance in adult goats.

Keywords

• Boer goats
• garlic extract
• Coccidia
• Haemonchus contortus