A review on the use of herbs and spices as alternative compounds to manage helminthosis in small ruminants

Gastrointestinal parasites (worms) in sheep and goats are common in all world regions. Parasite burdens have undermined survival of producers and are a limiting factor for farm profitability. Additionally, rampant worm resistance to commercially available anthelmintics adds complexity to parasite management plans and researchers have been looking for alternative compounds with effective anthelmintic properties. Also, organic sheep and goat producers have indicated the need of alternative parasite management practices including plant compounds. Anecdotal reports about anthelmintic alternative compounds (including diatomaceous earth) and plant compounds abound and researchers have tested many of them. This review intents to examine reports of plants used to control helminths in sheep and goats.