Files
Abstract
The anthelmintic efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves was evaluated on 12 cross bred cattle (aged between 2-3 years) naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy farm, Mymensingh during the period of 28 days from 1st to 28th June' 2005. The 12 selected cattle were randomly divided into two groups (A & B), each consisting of six animals, of which each animal of group A was treated with a single orally administered water extract of neem leaves @ 200mg/kg bwt, whereas animals of group B served as untreated control. Egg per gram (EPG) of feces, body weight, certain hemato-biochemical parameters were examined before the treatment and on 3rd, 10th, —th, and 28th day post treatment. A significant (P<0.01) reduction of EPG was recorded in treated group A (48.05-65.7%) but it significantly (P0.01) increased the EPG in untreated cattle. The body weight was significantly increased (P<0.05) in treated and decreased in (P<0.05) in untreated groups of cattle. The TEC, Hb, PCV and Neutrophil counts increased significantly (P<0.01) whereas the TLC and eosinophil count decreased significantly (P<0.01) in treated cattle. No significant change was observed in ALT and AST values between treated and untreated groups of animals. The results of this study indicates that a single oral dose of neem extract leaves could reduce 48.05 to 65.77% EPG of gastrointestinal nematode in cattle.