World is dependent on livestock for food, economic security, trade and inter-dependent with agriculture in both developed and developing countries. Livestock forms a major capital reserve of farming households. Today, we may be on the verge of a "Livestock revolution" that will require massive increases in animal production. Parasitic diseases are global problems that confront the health and productivity of animals worldwide. Rearing of sheep and goats have a unique role in smallholder farming, as they require small investments, faster growth rates, have shorter production cycles and greater environmental adaptability when compared to larger ruminants (Yune and Abdela, 2017). Furthermore, they contribute greatly to the agrarian economy, especially in areas where crop and dairy farming are not economical and has an important role in the livelihood of a large proportion of landless as well as small and marginal farmers. Hence, the poorer section of the rural community in India, rely principally on the maintenance of small ruminants for their sustenance.
While sheep, like other fann animals, suffer from various infections and non-infectious diseases, the most serious losses, especially in fann flocks, are due to internal parasites (Dikmans and Shorb, 1942). Sheep and goats have a noteworthy role in economic growth of the country by contributing to both domestic and export markets through provision of meat and milk and non-food products like manure, skin, and wool (Duguma et al., 2011). Nonetheless, until date, the benefit obtained from these livestock are hampered due to parasitic infection. Helminth diseases are among the most important technical constraints that have hindered the development and production of these small ruminants (Abdela and Jilo, 2016; Jilo et al., 2016).
Helminth parasites, especially gastrointestinal parasites, are one of the major animal health hazards that cause significant productivity losses of millions of rupees annually. Indigenous plant-based drugs have been used in the past in the treatment of Paramphistomosis (Satyavati et al., 1987). Herbal medicines do not have the kind of side effects or resistance compared to commercial drugs (Jadeja et al., 2006). Due to the resistance against the existing Regine of anthelmintic drugs and the possibility of drug residues in animal products, there is an urgent need for finding of new therapeutic agents to control paramphistomosis.
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