Garlic and Willow Extracts Improve Digestibility and Health in Dairy Goats

Greg Howard
18th May, 2024

Garlic and Willow Extracts Improve Digestibility and Health in Dairy Goats

Image Source: Collines Omondi (photographer)

Key Findings

  • The study was conducted by the University of Reading on nine adult non-lactating Saanen goats over 28 days
  • Goats fed with willow extract showed the highest digestibility of dry and organic matter, suggesting better nutrient absorption
  • Both garlic and willow extracts reduced fecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes, indicating potential anthelmintic properties
The gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a significant cause of disease in small ruminants, particularly goats. Traditional synthetic anthelmintics are becoming less effective due to widespread resistance, prompting the search for alternative treatments, such as medicinal plants[2]. A recent study conducted by the University of Reading aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats[1]. In this study, nine adult non-lactating Saanen goats were divided into three treatment groups over a 28-day period. The goats were fed a diet based on alfalfa hay and a concentrate supplemented with calcium soaps derived from safflower (control), garlic, or willow. The researchers assessed various parameters, including dry matter (DM) intake, organic matter (OM) intake, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, and digestibility. The intake of DM, OM, and NDF did not differ significantly among the dietary treatments. However, the goats supplemented with willow extract exhibited the highest digestibility of DM and OM. This suggests that willow extract may enhance nutrient absorption in goats. Notably, the in vitro gas kinetics and fermentation profiles remained unaffected by the different diets, indicating that rumen function was not compromised by the supplementation. One of the key findings of the study was the reduction in fecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes, specifically Haemonchus spp. and Trychostrongylus spp., in goats supplemented with either garlic or willow extracts compared to the control group. This indicates that both garlic and willow extracts have potential anthelmintic properties, aligning with previous research that has shown the effectiveness of plant-based treatments against GIN[2][3]. The study’s results are consistent with earlier findings on the anthelmintic properties of medicinal plants. For example, a review of studies from 2008 to 2018 highlighted the potential of various plant families, including Fabaceae, in controlling GIN in goats[2]. The main plant secondary metabolites associated with anthelmintic effects include condensed tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. However, the specific mechanisms of action and the effectiveness of isolated compounds remain underexplored. Interestingly, the study also draws parallels with research on the anthelmintic properties of loline, an alkaloid with suggested antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties[4]. While loline showed promise in vitro, its in vivo effectiveness was limited, potentially due to factors like contact time with larvae and mode of ingestion. This highlights the complexity of translating in vitro findings to practical, in vivo applications. In another relevant study, the supplementation of garlic powder in lamb diets resulted in improved growth performance, feed digestion, and health status, including a reduction in fecal egg counts[3]. This provides further evidence supporting the use of garlic as an effective natural anthelmintic. The current study by the University of Reading contributes to this growing body of evidence by demonstrating that calcium soaps of garlic and willow extracts can reduce gastrointestinal parasites in goats without negatively impacting productive traits or rumen function. This is an important finding for goat farmers seeking sustainable and effective alternatives to synthetic anthelmintics. In summary, the study underscores the potential of plant-based treatments, specifically garlic and willow extracts, in managing gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. These findings are promising for the development of natural anthelmintic agents, offering a viable solution to the challenge of anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants.

NutritionPlant ScienceAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Effect of calcium soaps from garlic (Allium sativum) and willow (Salix babylonica) extracts on nematode loads, nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation kinetics in dairy goats.

Published 17th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029924000141

Related Studies

2) Anthelmintic activity of plants against gastrointestinal nematodes of goats: a review.

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182019000672

3) Effects of Feeding Garlic Powder on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and the Health Status of Lambs Infected by Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9030102

4) Loline Alkaloid Effects on Gastrointestinal Nematodes.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12080996


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