Nganga nut good for deworming goats

Don’t look now, but betel nut, one of the main components of the nganga masticated by a good number of Filipino old folk, is an effective dewormer for goats.

The nut, locally known as bunga (Areca catechu L.), was studied together with makabuhay, another parasiticidal plant, as to their effectiveness in removing liver fluke from goats.

The research was done by a team led by Dr. Bede P. Ozaraga of the Capiz State University (formerly Panay State Polytechnic College) in Dumarao, Capiz.

The study, titled "Field testing and evaluation of formulated natural parasiticides against liver fluke and other helminths in goats," was a component of the Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization Program of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC). Headed by Dr. Ebonio B. Saraspe of the UP Visayas, WESVARRDEC is one of the 14 PCARRD-coordinated government regional R&D consortia.

The PCARRD-funded project, as reported by PCARDD Livestock Research Division assistant director Dr. Elaine F. Lanting, determined the efficacy of formulated bunga and makabuhay against liver fluke and other helminths in goats.

Results showed that bunga was effective when given at a dose of 30 grams per 20 kilograms body weight (BW); and makabuhay at 10-15 kg/100 kg BW.

As such, bunga and makabuhay are practical and good substitutes for expensive commercial dewormers.

"They can be used alternately with commercial dewormers to prevent anthelmintic resistance in goats," Capiz State University researchers concluded. — Rudy A. Fernandez