Efficacy of Polyherbal Spray against Tick Infestation in Riverine Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Therapeutic efficacy of polyherbal spray containing extracts of Andropogon citrates, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum sanctum, Pinus longifoia, Calotropis procera, Datura stramonium, Aegle marmelos, Ricinus communis, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Carica papaya, Annona squamosa and Pongamia glabra was evaluated against tick infestation in buffaloes on the basis of decrease in tick count and improvement in haemato-biochemical parameters after treatment. Single application of polyherbal spray to 20 randomly selected tick infested buffaloes revealed significant reduction in mean tick count from 60.13±7.54 on day 0 to 21.8±4.26 on day 3, to 4.90±1.48 on day 7 while mean tick count was 14.72±2.74 on day 21 post treatment. Haematology revealed non-significant increase in Total Erythrocyte Count, Haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume on day 21 post-treatment compared to pre-treatment values. No significant changes were observed in Total Leukocyte Count, Differential Leukocyte Count and Platelet Counts over a period of treatment. Also non-significant changes were observed in plasma glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin in treated buffaloes. The results of present study imply the clinical improvement in tick infested buffaloes treated with polyherbal spray and hence it could be probable preparation for use in buffaloes as an alternative to chemical acaricide.