By Blake Jackson
New research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science highlights a collaborative effort between Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) and the University of Missouri (MU) to explore plant-based solutions for controlling internal parasites in sheep.
The research was led by Tumen Wuliji, a professor of animal science with LU Cooperative Research. His interest in alternative parasite-control methods developed through his work with small ruminants at LU’s certified organic Alan T. Busby Farm, where he studied ways to support animal health in organic production systems.
With support from a 2021 USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grant, Wuliji and his team investigated whether natural compounds found in plants could help reduce parasite problems in sheep.
“The goal was to find ways to help control parasites in small ruminants by studying bioactive compounds found in different plants, which can be components of pasture forage,” Wuliji said.
Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring substances in plants that can influence biological processes. Researchers focused on whether these compounds could impact parasite larvae before they mature into adult worms inside sheep. These adult parasites can reproduce and release thousands of eggs into the environment through animal feces.
The study evaluated extracts from 24 different plant species, including forage plants, herbs and common weeds. Researchers used water-based extracts from dried plant materials and tested their effects on parasite larvae grown from sheep fecal samples.
Chao Ke, a recent MU Ph.D. graduate, completed much of the laboratory research at LU under Wuliji’s guidance. The team monitored parasite survival after 12, 24 and 48 hours to compare the effectiveness of different plant extracts.
Results showed that parasite mortality increased as exposure time and extract concentration increased. At higher concentrations, extracts from goatweed, spurge weed, goosefoot, velvetleaf and tall boneset caused at least 90% mortality among parasite larvae after 48 hours.
Wuliji noted that tall boneset and velvetleaf were especially interesting because their effects against sheep parasite larvae had not been widely documented previously.
The findings provide a foundation for additional research, including studies that will test how these plant-based approaches perform when used directly in animal diets.
“Whether this result actually happens when you feed animals, that is another matter to be verified,” Wuliji said.
Future research will examine promising plants through pasture studies and processed feed supplements. The work could eventually help sheep producers access more sustainable parasite-management options while supporting overall animal health.
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock, Goats & Sheep