Evaluation of a Pelleted Formulation of Momordica Charantia on the Control of Goat Verminosis in the Brazilian Semiarid

Abstract

The aim was to develop a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia (São Caetano Melon) to improve its palatability, administration, and to test its anthelmintic efficacy in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten animals were used in a pre-experiment, where 20 formulations containing the plant were tested. After choosing the most palatable one, 18 six months-old, male Boer goats, were divided into three groups and evaluated during 28 days: Group 1, received daily a formulation of pellets composed by 60% of M. charantia + 5% of emulsifier + 35% of molasses powder at a dose of 1 g/kg of live weight; Group 2, received the same formulation daily in the dose of 2 g/kg of live weight; and Group 3, received no phytotherapy treatment (Control group). Fecal samples were collected to carry out the EPG and fecal cultures and the animals were weighed at days zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28. The treatments with M. charantia pellets were unsatisfactory in all collections, and there was no statistical difference (P>0,05) among the groups. On day 28, the groups treated with 1g/kg and 2 g/kg showed an increase in EPG of 143% and 100%, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent genus in the fecal cultures. A statistical difference was not observed (P>0,05) in the animal's weight. The pelleted formulation of M. charantia was ineffective to control of gastrointestinal helminthiosis of naturally infected goats in the Brazilian semiarid.