Abstract
This study aims to give information about goats (Capra hircus) and endoparasites, and determine if malunggay (Moringa oleifera) has the antihelmintic effect against these endoparasites.
Fecal samples were obtained from 80 goats in eight barangays of Gapan City, Nueva Ecija during daytime. The collected feces were examined using salt flotation technique (SFT) for fecal egg count. Fresh mature leaves were used for the malunggay leaf decoction. The decoction was mixed with the food given to the experimental animals. Fecal samples were taken five days after the treatment.
The study found out that in 80 goats examined, there were five species of endoparasites present. These are Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia sp., Trichostrogylus sp., Cooperia sp. and Oestophagostomum sp.
The fecal egg count showed that goats in the locality had light parasitic infections. The study also showed that malunggay had the antihelmintic property against endoparasites in goats.
Introduction
Goats are one of the most domesticated animals in the Philippines, especially in provinces like Nueva Ecija. One of its towns, Gapan, is also one of the places with most goat farms. Goats are very common source of dairy products and considered a delicacy in rural areas. They feed on grasses. During rainy seasons, many parasites found on grasses get ingested into the goats’ bodies.
Endoparasites are one of the recognized prominent causes of diseases in goats. They can cause illness or even death to these animals. Lethargy, diarrhea, or in some cases, weight loss, can be observed from infected ones. Sometimes, they are undetectable. They infect many parts of the goat’s body such as gastrointestinal tract, lungs, blood system, lymphatic system, and skin.
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera), one of the indigenous plants in the Philippines, is one of the common herbal medicines. Having diverse uses, it was used in the study to find possibilities of antihelmintic effect to the parasites of goats.
Materials & Equipment
Selected References:
Hansen, J. and B. Perry. 1994. The Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Control of Helminth Parasites in Ruminants. International Laboratory for Researches on Animal Diseases, Kenya. Riek and Keith. 1957. Studies on the Antibacterial Activity of Acapulco, Avocado and Malunggay against S.aureus. Central Luzon State University, Muñoz City.
Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.
Researchers:
Rose Ann D. Pangilinan
Ma. Lourdes P. Matias
Ellaine P. Larrobis
Adviser:
Johnny E. de Leon
Juan R. Liwag Memorial High School
Gapan City