Effect of homeopathic drugs on the numbers of nematode eggs in faeces (FEC) and on the body weight gain of sheep

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of homeopathy drugs on the numbers of nematode eggs in faeces (FEC) and on the body weight gain of naturally infected sheep. Forty weaned lambs of Santa Inês natives breeds, with 75-90 days old were randomly divided in five groups (n=8). Animal from Group 1 were treated with Sulphur 30X, Group 2 with Ferrum phosphoricum 6X, Group 3 with Arsenicum album 6X, Group 4 with Mercurius solubilis 6X and Group 5 was not treated (control). Each animal received 10 drops of the drug, twice a day. Sheep was placed in grazing systems and had access to mineralized salt and water ad libitum. FEC and body weight was recorded every 15 days for 3 months. The data relative to FEC was transformed to log10 (x-1) to accommodate the criterions of normality. There were no differences (p>0.05) among group for egg counts in feaces (FEC): G1 =3.52±0.47; G2 =3.53±0.26; G3 =3.64±0.16; G4 =3.67±0.36 e G5 =3.19±0.3. However, it was observed weight gain significant for all groups compared to control group: G1 = 5.50 (p<0.01); G2 = 5.04 (p<0.02); G3 = 5.02 (p<0.02); G4 =5.05 (p<0.03) e G5 = 3.08. Treatment with homeopathy drugs in sheep for three months did not reduce the FEC, but proposed weight gain.