Preliminary Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Neem Leaf Extract and Ivermectin in West African Dwarf Goats with Clinical Mange

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Olubunmi Titilayo Ojoawo ¹
• Jelili Akinwole Akinlade ²
• Opeyemi Agbeniyi ³
• Opeyemi Oladipupo Hammed ⁴
• Fiwasade Adejoke Rom-Kalilu ⁴

¹ Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

² Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

³ Department of Animal Production and Health. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

⁴ Department of Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

10.22067/ijvst.2025.93101.1504

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica) extract as a topical treatment for mange in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, a breed commonly raised in Southern Nigeria and are affected by mange, which undermines animal welfare and productivity. Twelve mange-infected goats were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: T1 (10 ml ivermectin pour-on), T2 (5 ml neem extract + 5 ml ivermectin), and T3 (10 ml neem extract). Treatments were applied over 14 days, and data were collected on skin scrapings, red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count and serum biochemical indices. Phytochemical analysis of neem extract revealed notable levels of alkaloids, saponins, and phenols. All groups showed improved skin condition post-treatment, with significant increases in RBC and WBC counts observed in T2 goats (P<0.05). Differences in serum biochemical indices, particularly potassium, were also noted. Findings indicate that neem extract can serve as an effective alternative or adjunct treatment to ivermectin for mange control in WAD goats reared in the local environments with poor accesibility to conventional drugs, improving animal health and production outcomes.

Keywords

• Neem leaf
• Ivermectin
• Mange
• West African Dwarf goats
• Topical
• Food security

Main Subjects

• Applied Animal Behaviour Science

---