EFFICACY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF Ocimum gratissimum (SCENT LEAF) AGAINST INTESTINAL PARASITES OF EXOTIC CHICKENS (AGRIC FOWLS).
1*Okafor-Elenwo, E. J., 2Izevbuwa, E.O. and 3Nwokedi, R. E.
1. Department of Biological Science (Parasitology), College of Natural and Applied
Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria.
2. Department of Biological Science (Medical Microbiology), College of Natural and
Applied Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria.
3. Department of Physics. College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Igbinedion
University, Okada, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author: ebjulein2010@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Ocimum gratissimum plant materials and extracts were examined for utilization in the control of the gastro-intestinal parasites especially, notable nematodes and Eimeria species of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus: Galliformes) for a sustainable profitable poultry production. O. gratisssimum was chosen based on the already available information on its medicinal and other useful uses in human and veterinary medicine, and most especially its traditional applications. The adverse effects of the presence and activities of some parasitic organisms that inhabit the gastro-intestinal tracts of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus: Galliformes) were considered. Two hundred and forty birds (domestic fowls) infected with gastrointestinal parasites were tested with O. gratissimum to ascertain the safety on the birds through acute toxicity test. It was found to be safe for the birds even at relatively very high doses/concentrations of 50mls (of 1000g of the plant-materials in 1000l) per bird. Eighty eight chickens (36.6%) were solely infected with helminth parasites. Number with protozoan parasites (coccidial oocysts) were ninety nine (41.25%), 27.25% had both infections at the same time. The presence of the G.I.T-parasites was established by examination of their faecal matter by direct faecal smear and egg concentration methods. These birds were subjected to in vitro and in vivo tests using various concentrations of O. gratissimum extracts in water and feed. There were adverse effects of Ocimum gratissimum on the various G.I.T-parasites so identified especially, when given in feed.
Key words: GIT parasites, Ocimum gratissimum, poultry production, plant extracts.
