On-farm evaluation of selected indigenous local plants for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes between different breeds and sexes of goats in Botswana

Abstract

Two objectives were set for this study, first; to identify local plants used to control internal parasites in goats in the Ngamiland district of Botswana and secondly; to determine the anthelmintic efficacy of most commonly used plants to treat different breeds and sexes of goats. To carry out the first objective, a total of 120 communal farmers were randomly identified from six villages and interviewed using a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic parameters and ethnobotanical information. The qualitative data was analyzed using SPSS software and the most popular plants were identified using fidelity levels. Most of the respondents were secondary educated males of 50 to 60 years and relied on livestock for their livelihoods. About 13 local plant species from 11 families were used for the treatment of intestinal parasites in goats and the most popular was family Fabaceae (27.3%). Terminalia sericea and Gnidia capitata plant species recorded the highest fidelity levels, scoring 89.3% and 88.0%, respectively. The roots (76.9%) were the most frequently used plant part while decoction (46%) was popular in medicinal preparations. To carry out objective 2, a total of thirty goats from two breeds; 15 Tswana and 15 Boer goats, aged 18-21 months were used. Thev study was carried out at Ngocho farmstead, with the goats allowed to graze and browse naturally in the veld from morning to evening.The goats were randomly allocated to three treatment groups; Treatment 1 and 2 were given Terminalia sericea and Gnidia capitata extracts. The extracts were prepared by soaking in water (infusion) for 24 hours nd were given to the goats orally, respectively, while Treatment 3 animals were given Ivermax 1% under the skin (subcutaneously). The animal sexes were allocated across all treatments with each treatment having 6 females and 4 males. The body condition score (BCS) and faecal egg count were performed at the beginning of the trial (day 0) and at days 30, 60 and 90. The data were analyzed using statistical analysis system (SAS). At day 0 the animals recorded a body condition score of 2 (emaciated) and improved post treatment to a score of 4 at day 60. Generally, faecal egg count decreased across the goat breeds and sexes after treatment with plant remedies. Tswana goats recorded an overall better reduction in faecal egg counts compared to Boer goats. At day 60, males had lower faecal egg count than females for both plant remedies with males treated with Gnidia capitata plant extract showing a better response. The studied plants contain some phytochemical compounds responsible for their anthelminthic properties. It is important to III incorporate these local plants in flock health management to improve animal productivity, food security and livelihoods.