Herbs effective against round worms in pigs
The use of these plant extracts can prevent large round worm (Ascaris suum) infections in pigs, according to research from the Dutch Animal Sciences Group (ASG). Ecological pig producers in particular, who often don’t use conventional anti worm treatment, may benefit of using the herbs.
Trials showed that a mixture of thyme, lemon balm and purple coneflower
at a 5% inclusion rate in the feed of pigs resulted in a good prevention against
the round worms. However, a dosage of 5% is economically not feasible. ASG
therefore investigates whether the dosage can be lowered and if the addition of
black tea may improve the efficacy of the herb mixture. Black tea is rich in
tannins, which is assumed to limit the amount of worm eggs produced. The tea
also disrupts the ability of worms to attach to the intestinal mucosa
layer.
Fattening pigs
ASG is currently running trials
with individual housed fattening pigs that have been challenged with a worm
infection. Some animals receive the herb mixture with 1% thyme, lemon balm and
purple coneflower in the feed. Some animals receive the same mixture, added with
1% black tea. Both groups will be compared with control animals and animals that
received Flubendazole at day 42 after infection.
Keep it
natural
Round worms are a significant problem in ecological pig
farming systems. The aim is to control the infections by natural extracts. The
results from the trials by ASG will be published mid 2007.
More
information:
Dossier AllAbout plant extracts
Related
website:
Animal
Sciences Group WUR
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