Evaluation of poly herbal extract from Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Vitex negundo leaves for the control of ectoparasitic infestation in Bovine

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the ectoparasiticidal property of a polyherbal extract prepared by mixing the aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica (Neem) and Vitex negundo leaves in the ratio 3:1. Twenty cattle were sprayed with the poly herbal extract all over the body consecutively for 2 days. Tick counts were measured from seven heavily infested areas of body viz., ear pinna, inguinal region, under tail, back region, wither, dewlap and neck and expressed as mean tick count. Before application of the polyherbal extract and 3rd day, 7th day and 21st day post treatment tick counts were measured. Results of the study indicated a significant (P<0.05) reduction in tick count across all body parts as early as day 3 post treatment when compared to the 0th day tick count. The maximum reduction in tick count occurred on day 7 post treatment, with more than 90% reduction in percentage of tick infestation in all regions. Clinical signs like pruritus, scratching, rubbing and alopecia in cattle were also reduced considerably 21 days post treatment. The findings of the study imply that the poly herbal mixture prepared from aqueous extracts of Neem and V. negundo has promising effect in reducing the tick infestation. Hence this study accelerates the interest in developing eco-friendly herbal ectoparasiticidal combinations from plants.