The effect of <i>Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae)</i> extracts on the haemato-biochemical parameters of Yankasa Sheep experimentally infected with <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>

Abstract

The study evaluated the anthelmintic efficacy of the crude ethanolic extract of Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) among Yankasa Sheep. Twenty-five (25) sheep were randomly selected and placed into five groups (A-E) of five animals each. The extract at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg resulted in 34.05 and 55.08% faecal egg reduction respectively. Haematological parameters (PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, DLC, Platelet count and ESR) were significantly (p<0.005) increased after treatment with the extract in a graded dose manner. The extract significantly (p<0.005) decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activities after treatment, similar to observed changes in total protein and serum albumin. The extract exerted 55.08% anthelmintic activity against adult Haemonchus contortus at the highest dosage tested. This finding supports the folkloric application of this plant as a vermifuge in trado-veterinary medical practices.

Keywords: Haemonchus contortus; Diospyros mespiliformis; anti-helminth; ethanolic extract