Comparative efficacy of neem leaves extract and levamisole against ascariasis in chicken

Ascariasis is very common in indigenous chicken causing retarded growth, low productivity and mortality. Considering the problem of Ascaridia galli in chicken, anthelmintic resistance, high cost and human health hazard of chemical anthelmintic the use of medicinal plant is an alternative choice. An experiment was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from May, 2010 to September, 2010, to evaluate the efficacy of Neem leaves extract and patent anthelmintic Etrax® (Levamisole) on clinical findings of ascariasis in chicken. Indigenous medicinal plants Neem (Azadirachta indica) was studied both in vitro and in vivo in comparison with levamisole against ascariasis in chicken. In vitro neem leaves extract were incubated at the dose rate of 1, 2, 4, 20 mg /ml to adult worms. Shortest time of parasite paralysis was observed at dose rate 20mg/ml. Levamisole was incubated at the dose rate of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6mg /ml to adult worms. Shortest time of parasite paralysis was observed at dose rate 0.6mg/ml. Efficacy was recorded as compared to the control. Neem leaves extract showed gradual increase of efficacy up to day 14th and 21st of treatment. Post-mortem worm count revealed that neem leaves extract showed considerable efficacy against worm burden. The aqueous extract of plant did not show any adverse effect on haematological parameter and physiological condition of treated birds but increase values TEC, Hb and PCV were observed in chicken after treatment with levamisole.