March 26, 2007

Dutch study shows herbs effective against roundworms in pigs
 

A mixture of thyme, lemon balm and purple coneflower are proven to prevent large round worm (Ascaris suum) infections in pigs, according to research done by the Dutch Animal Sciences Group (ASG).

The ASG said ecological pig producers, who often don't use conventional anti worm treatment, will benefit from this.

The five percent inclusion of these herbs in swine feed resulted in a good prevention against the round worms but the dosage is not economically feasible, said the ASG. The institute is still investigating whether the dosage can be lowered or the addition of black tea may improve the efficacy of the herb mixture. According to ASG, black tea is rich in tannins, which is assumed to limit the amount of worm eggs produced and disrupts the ability of worms to attach to the intestinal mucosa layer.

ASG is currently running trials with individual housed fattening pigs that have been challenged with a worm infection. Some animals receive the herb mixture with 1 percent thyme, lemon balm and purple coneflower in the feed while some have received the same mixture, added with 1 percent black tea. Both groups will be compared with control animals and animals that received Flubendazole at day 42 after infection.

Round worms are a significant problem in ecological pig farming systems. The aim is to control the infections by natural extracts. The results from the trials by ASG will be published mid 2007.