A study on treating ectoparasites in desi birds with herbal formulation was undertaken in affected birds at vaiyappamalai village of Namakkal district with twenty five birds each for treatment and check. The symptoms included irritation, restlessness in birds, darkened or dirty feather appearance, interference with the feed consumption, dullness, weight loss, anaemia and loss of production. Treatment was initiated with the herbal mixture consisting of Aloe vera, Leucas aspera, Ocimum sanctum, Acalypha indica, Lantana camara, Acorus calamus, Piper nigrum and Curcuma longa. Phytochemical analysis was carried out for the herbs and it was found to contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenol, volatile oil, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acid and protein, carbohydrates, glycosides, phlobatanins and hydrolysable tannin. Topical application of herbal mixture was done once daily consecutively for three days and the result was found to control ectoparasites and improve overall general body condition of the birds.
Highlights: A safe herbal alternative to treat ectoparasite in desi birds has been established, the treatment is very cost effective and easily available for preparation by the farmers.
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
