The Nematicidal Activity of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Extract Against Gastro-Intestinal Strongyles of Small Goats

Introduction: Gastrointestinal nematodes have a deleterious effect on animal health and production. In search of alternative to synthetic anthelminthics in the control of strongylosis among small ruminants, this study was conducted to evaluate the in situ adulticidal properties of Moringa oleifera on gastro-intestinal strongyles of goats. Methods: Twenty (20) goats naturally infested with mixed gastrointestinal nematodes were distributed into 5 groups (n=4): a negative control group receiving Tween 80 at 2.8%, a positive control group treated with Albendazole at 5 mg/kg and tested groups treated with doses of extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg). In situ anthelminthic activity was assessed through determination of the faecal eggs count reduction, total worm count reduction, variation of packed cell volume (PCV) and body weight after treatment. Results: Five species of nematodes were identified among experimental animals, with Strongyloides papillorus as the most prevalent (93.8%) followed by Haemonchus contortus (87.5%). At dose of 500 mg/kg, ethanolic extract of M. oleifera registered 76.4 % and 69.8 % eggs density reduction of gastro-intestinal strongyles eggs and parasitic load nineteen days post-treatment respectively while Albendazole induced 100 % reduction of these same parameters at the dose of 5 mg/kg. Moreover, the extract did not significantly affect PCV nor body weight of experimental goats. Conclusion: This study validates scientifically the use of alcoholic leaves extract of M. oleifera in the treatment of gastro-intestinal strongyles. The standardization of this extract is however necessary for his use as a sustainable tool for controlling strongylosis in small ruminants.