ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera S.W.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extracts on gastrointestinal nematode eggs of Japanese quails. Stool samples were collected from a herd of 5,000 adult birds raised on the floor at a commercial farm in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The samples were packed in plastic bags, kept refrigerated and transported for laboratory analysis. The eggs were placed in 2.5 ml of the suspension and 2.5 ml of flor-de-seda and pomegranate extracts in concentrations of 50; 25; 12.5; 6.25 and 3.12%. Readings were subsequently taken at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The aqueous pomegranate extract at 25 and 50% was more efficient on the larvae hatching. The flor-de-seda aqueous extract in both concentrations and evaluation periods showed similar action to that of the positive control treatment (Albendazole 10%). The pomegranate and flor-de-seda aqueous extracts have anthelmintic activity on the development of larvae in eggs of the Heterakoidea Superfamily and are therefore presented as an alternative to replace the drugs commonly used to control helminths in Japanese quails.
Keywords:
birds; gastrointestinal parasites; medicinal plants