Homeopathy + Farming / Animals
Homeopathy as an Alternative to Control of Verminosis Ewes
S.K. Santos, I.E. Sandini, J.H. Novakowiski and M.K. Falbo
Abstract
Background: Verminosis is the main limiting factor in sheep production. Its control has become more and more difficult because of resistance of gastrointestinal helminths to some active ingredients, which has led to search of alternative ways to verminosis control. Based on that, the goal of study was to evaluate the effect of homeopathy for verminosis control in sheep.
Materials and Methods:Twenty eight sheep in lactation stage without defined breed were evaluated for seven months. The animals were separated into two groups, control and homeopathy, according to counting of helminths Eggs Per Gram (EPG) of feces. Each animal from homeopathy group was treated with Verm® 100 at rate of 10 g day–1, mixed at 250 g day–1 of corn residue. The control group received 10 g of calcium carbonate mixed at 250 g of corn residue. Helminths eggs per gram of feces, Famacha©, body condition score, hematocrit, hemoglobin, counting of eosinophils, total protein, albumin, globulin and aminotransferase aspartate were evaluated every 21 days. The data were analyzed by variance analysis and Tukey’s test at 5% of significance level.
Results: After the 4th month of treatment, EPG from homeopathy group was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05) and it had negative correlation with number of eosinophils. There were normal values for both groups regarding to other parameters evaluated: Hematocrit, hemoglobin, globulin, total protein, albumin, aminotransferase aspartate, body condition score and Famacha©.
Conclusion: These results suggest that homeopathy may be used as an alternative method for control of verminosis in sheep. And using it combined with the traditional system could be a way to minimize the use of allopathic medicines, being a resource in organic farms or for those that aim a more sustainable production system.
Source : Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
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Use of homeopathy in organic dairy farming in Spain
Inmaculada Orjales, Marta López-Alonso, Ruth Rodríguez-Bermúdez, Francisco Rey-Crespo, Ana Villar, Marta Miranda
Abstract
- •We evaluate the use of homeopathy in organic dairy cattle in Spain.
- •The use of homeopathy in organic farms in Spain is low compared with other countries.
- •The main motivation for its use is the need to reduce chemical substances.
- •Somatic cell count (SCC) was significantly higher in farms using homeopathic treatments.
Source : Homeopathy Journal
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Effect of a homeopathic complex on reproductive performance in a commercial pig farm
Dario Deni1,*, Antonino Caminiti1,2, Olga Lai1, Lavinia Alfieri1, Daniela Casati1, Mario Sciarri3,Paola Scaramozzino1
and Giuseppina Brocherel1
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, Brescia, Italy
3Scuola Superiore di Medicina Veterinaria Omeopatica “Dott. Rita Zanchi”, Cortona, Italy
Background and aim:
Alternative therapies based on homeopathy can be effective in improving reproductive performance in intensive pig breeding.
In this study, the effect of a homeopathic complex on reproductive performance of sows under intensive farming has been investigated.
Material and methods:
Over period of three years, 186 sows were recruited from a farm where a large proportion of animals were suffering from prolonged
weaning-to-oestrus intervals (WEI) and weaning-to-service intervals (WSI). Sows were allocated to two groups; once per month, one group was given a homeopathic complex (Borax 10 mK plus Lycopodium10mK),while the other group was given a hydro-alcoholic
solution(placebo). The follow-up period started one week before the expected date of oestrus, continued for two pregnancies and
ended after the weaning of the second farrowing. To evaluate reproductive performance,during thefollow-up we collected data on
quantitative parameters such as the average number of stillbirths, newborns, and repeat services per farrowing. Time-related data such as WEI, WSI, length of the two pregnancies and weaning periods were also collected to measure the length of the follow-up of each
sow. Differences in quantitative parameters between the two groups were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric statistics.
Time-related data were used to plot Kaplane Meier curves and in Cox regression models to evaluate whether treated sows had
a higher probability of experiencing a shorter follow-up in comparison to untreated sows.
Results:
We did not found significant differences in the number of newborns, while the number of stillbirths was higher in the treatment group,
even if the difference was slightly significant (p-value = 0.03). The number of repeat services was lower in the treatment group, and this difference was highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Results from the Cox regression models suggest that the end of the follow-up was
reached by sows of the treatment group at about twice the rate of sows of the control group (model 2, Hazard Ratio treatment
= 2.27; 95%CI: 1.56e 3.24).
Discussion
The study was carried out in a farm where sows were routinely vaccinated for specific diseases. In the case of Aujeszky’s disease, the vaccination is currently compulsory in Italy. Because the study was carried out under field conditions, sows of the treatment and control groups were also vaccinated. We note that the contemporarypresence of vaccinated and not vaccinated animals would have raised serious health and biosecurity concerns in the farm.
Borax Veneta is usually prescribed for skin disorders. In this specific case, it was chosen because of its effect in the case of female infertility and egg-white vaginal discharge 26,29 as well as inflammation of the vaginal and uterus mucosa. 30,31
Lycopodium clavatum was chosen because it can improve the assimilation of biologically active principles,32 and can therefore be helpful in cases of liver overload due to the dietary regime. 33,34 Indeed, the intake provided to sows before the service and during the gestation period could lead to a condition of hepatic stress with reduced functionality of the liver. In addition, Lycopodium was also found to be effective for inflammation of the ovaries in sheep 35 and its positive effect at labour, especially during the delivery of newborns and the placenta. 36,37 The number of stillbirths per farrowing was higher in the treatment group, even if the difference was slightly significant
(p-value = 0.03); it is important to note that this outcome is in the opposite direction to that expected from the treatment. However, significant differences in the number of newborns per farrowing between the treatment and the control group were not detected, and the number of repeat services per farrowing was lower in the treatment group. In this case, the difference was highly significant
(p-value < 0.001). Results from this study showed that sows treated with the homeopathic complex had a significantly higher probability of experiencing a shorter follow-up in comparison to untreated sows, which was also true when controlling for the effect of age. The potential effect of censored observations was evaluated in the third Cox model by dropping them and comparing the HR treatment of model three with the HR treatment of model two. The HR treatment was significant and higher than 1 for each of the three models. The same conclusion was reached by refitting the second model after the recoding of sows lost to follow-up as if they had completed the study.
Random selection from all pens in the building was not feasible because sows could have been reallocated within different pens or buildings during the follow-up. The real location was usually planned in advance by the farmer, and because we did not want to mix treated and untreated sows, only those pens for which the farmer could guarantee no movements of animals were eligible for inclusion in the study.
Data on the weight of piglets were not collected during the follow-up, or for the number of newly weaned piglets. This decision was taken because of the farmer’s common practice of cross-fostering, for which it would have been very difficult or even impossible to track down the mother.
Source Homeopathy Journal
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Veterinary homeopathy: meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials
Abstract
Background Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of veterinary homeopathy has not previously been undertaken. For all medical conditions and species collectively, we tested the hypothesis that the outcome of homeopathic intervention (treatment and/or prophylaxis, individualised and/or non-individualised) is distinguishable from corresponding intervention using placebos.
Methods All facets of the review, including literature search strategy, study eligibility, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias, were described in an earlier paper. A trial was judged to comprise reliable evidence if its risk of bias was low or was unclear in specific domains of assessment. Effect size was reported as odds ratio (OR). A trial was judged free of vested interest if it was not funded by a homeopathic pharmacy. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model, with hypothesis-driven sensitivity analysis based on risk of bias.
Results Nine of 15 trials with extractable data displayed high risk of bias; low or unclear risk of bias was attributed to each of the remaining six trials, only two of which comprised reliable evidence without overt vested interest. For all N = 15 trials, pooled OR = 1.69 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12 to 2.56]; P = 0.01. For the N = 2 trials with suitably reliable evidence, pooled OR = 2.62 [95% CI, 1.13 to 6.05]; P = 0.02).
Conclusions Meta-analysis provides some very limited evidence that clinical intervention in animals using homeopathic medicines is distinguishable from corresponding intervention using placebos. The low number and quality of the trials hinders a more decisive conclusion.
Source : Journal Homeopathy
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The therapeutic effect of Tarentula cubensis extract (Theranekron®) in foot-and-mouth disease in cattle: a randomised trial in an endemic setting
Samad Lotfollahzadeh, Mohammad Reza Alizadeh, Mehrdad Mohri, Mohammad Reza Mokhber Dezfouli
Abstract
Background
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious viral disease of ruminant animals. Eradication of disease in western countries is by slaughter of infected and in contact animals but this is not possible in endemic countries. There is no standard treatment for FMD in endemic countries, but anti-inflammatory drugs and mild disinfectant and protective dressing to inflamed areas to prevent secondary infection is recommended.
Method
A randomised controlled clinical trial of a homeopathic preparation of Tarentula cubensis (Theranekron®) was conducted during an outbreak of FMD in cattle in Iran. A single subcutaneous injection of Theranekron® was used as sole treatment in 50 infected animals (treatment group). The control group comprised 15 infected animals treated with standard medication including: daily injection of flunixin meglumine and oxytetracycline and daily dressing of lesions with 4% sodium carbonate. Systemic and local signs were recorded over 14 days.
Results
Rectal temperature in treatment group subsided to normal range within 1 day of homeopathic treatment, and was significantly lower in test group than in control group on several successive days (P < 0.05). Healing of inflamed mucosal areas and appetite score of the treatment was significantly better than control during first 3 days of treatment (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
It appears that Theranekron® is effective for treatment of systemic and local signs of FMD-infected cattle. Further research is justified.
Source : Homeopathy
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Replication of an experiment on extremely diluted thyroxine and highland amphibians
Bernhard Harrer*
Patienteninformation fuer Naturheilkunde e.V., Brunnenstr. 147, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to reproduce an experiment with diluted thyroxine and amphibians. A detailed account of the difficulties of this line of research has been published by the initial team (Endler and Scherer-Pongratz). One experiment which has been reported reproducible by the initial team and independent researchers is the effect of extremely diluted agitated thyroxine (T30x) versus analogously prepared water (W30x) in amphibians from biotopes above the tree line (highland amphibians).
Methods: (A) The author replicated the experiment. Rana temporaria were taken from an alpine biotope and the methods given in the original protocols were followed. Animals were treated from the 2-legged stage on. (B), the author reanalyzed the results reported by the initial team and by independent researchers (van Wijk, Lassnig, Zausner-Lukitsch, Bach, Harrer).
Results: (A) In the author’s own experiment, there was a clear trend of T30x animals developing
more slowly (i.e. up to 6 h within 3 days) thanW30x animals. This is in line with
the previous experiments. Due to small numbers of animals, the differences in the frequency
of larvae reaching the 4-legged stage and the stage with reduced tail were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The effect size was large (d > 0.08). (B) In the analysis of all available data with regard to the 4-legged stage, pooled T30x values from the initial team were 10.1% smaller than W30x values (100%) and pooled T30x values from the 5 independent researchers were 12.4% smaller (p < 0.01 and d > 0.08). Analogously, the number of animals entering the juvenile stage with reduced tail was smaller for T30x
than for W30x.
Source : Homeopathy (2013) 102, 25e30.
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The effect of individualized homeopathic treatment on the semen quality of bulls with reproductive disorders: a case series.
de Souza MF, Costa-E-Silva EV, Macedo GG, Soares BD, Zúccari CE.SourceDVM, Sigo Homeopatia, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].
AbstractBACKGROUND: Poor semen quality of pedigree bulls has major economic implications in cattle breeding.
AIMS: To evaluate the effect of homeopathy on the semen of bulls with reproductive disorders.
METHODS: The behavioral, clinical and spermatic characteristics of four Nelore bulls were evaluated. The bulls received individualized homeopathic treatment mixed into the feed and administered once per day. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina. Successful collection, freezing, effective doses, and the number of doses of semen per collection were compared before and after homeopathic treatment.
RESULTS: The bulls were treated with Sulphur, Phosphorus, Lycopodium and Argentum nitricum all in 30CH dilution. The rates of successful collection were 97.14%, 100%, 96.67% and 30.77% pretreatment and 95.45%, 100%, 94.67% and 96.77% at post-treatment for bulls A, B, C and D, respectively. The average number of doses per ejaculate pre and post-treatment were 102.67 (SD 74.41) vs. 300.08 (SD 180.58), 0 vs. 234.78 (SD 96.12), 0 vs. 105.12 (SD 54.98), 0 ± vs. 107.37 (SD 52.12) respectively. Many of these differences were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: The use of homeopathy apparently improved the production of viable doses of semen from bulls with previous freezing problems and poor semen quality. Controlled studies should be conducted.
Source : Homeopathy. 2012 Oct;101(4):243-5. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.08.003.
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Homeopathic treatment of vaginal leiomyoma in a dog: case report.
Maria Ignez Carvalho Ferreira(MSc), Luiz Figueira Pinto (PhD)
Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), RJ, Brazil
ABSTRACT
The most common vaginal neoplasias in old dogs are leiomyoma and fibroma. Although surgical excision is the indicated treatment, it does not eliminate potential complications that may lead to death or poor quality of life. This paper reports the case of a 9 year-old female Doberman dog with vaginal leiomyoma attended by copious and recidivating colporrhagia homeopathically treated between March and December 2005. Homeopathic approach was the one designed at Homeopathic Unit of the Veterinary Hospital, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The progress of disease was assessed through clinical evaluation, laboratory exams and ultrasonography. Hemorrhage decreased while the general clinical state of the animal improved. After 7 months of homeopathic treatment, the tumor was spontaneously eliminated through violent abdominal contractions, which was followed by recovery of the animal's state of health.
Source : Int J High Dilution
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Preliminary study of homeopathic treatment of subclinical mastitis evaluated through somatic cells count and California mastitis test
Carlos Dias Barzon1, Franciele de Medeiros1, Roberson Eduardo Moraes1, Luiz Cláudio Monteiro da Silva (Vet MD)2, Carlos Massambani3, Orlando Seiko Takemura (PhD), Zilda Cristiani Gazim (MSc)
1Departament of Pharmacy, 2Departament of Veterinary, Universidade Paranaense, Paraná Brazil; 3Zootechnician and collaborator
ABSTRACT
The present paper presents the results of homeopathic treatment of 25 Holstein breed cows aged 3 to 8 years old diagnosed with subclinical mastitis through California Mastitis Test (CMT). Animals were divided into 3 groups according with infection level. A homeopathic complex was developed on the grounds of clinical aspects, including Phosphorus 30x, Phytolacca 30x, Silicea 30x, Sulphur 30x, Belladona 30x, Bryonia alba 30x, Pulsatilla 30x, Calendula 30x and biotherapic of Staphylococcus aureus 200x. The remedy was added to salt and was administered to cattle 100g/cow/day for 75 days. CMT were carried out every 2 weeks to control incidence and severity of mastitis; somatic cells count (SCC) was performed at the beginning and the end of treatment. CMT showed significant improvement in regression of infection level all throughout the study; final SCC showed decrease in 82% of animals, signaling thus efficacy of the homeopathic treatment.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2008; 7(24): 147-151
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Use of biotherapic in the control of natural infestation by Boophilus microplus: pilot study
Nilceu Lemos Silva et al
ABSTRACT
In the control of tick-borne disease (TBD), resistance to chemical products has been reported and a concern with the preservation of the environment requires alternative procedures to control infestation by Boophilus microplus worldwide. The use of biotherapic preparations is one of such alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a biotherapic mixture including B. microplus in naturally infested cattle. 27 animals were divided in 3 groups (n=9): I – control, received no treatment; II- treated with amitraz dip; III- treated with a standard commercial mixture of biotherapic 12CH, p.o. Group III presented a statistically significant decrease of ticks when compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups II (amitraz) and III (biotherapic) (p<0.05). These results suggest that biotherapic preparations might be an effective in the control of B. microplus in cattle.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2008; 7(22): 36-38
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Effects of two homeopathic complexes on bovine sperm mitochondrial activity.
Aziz DM, Schnurrbusch U, Enbergs H.
Source Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Hygiene of Animals, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany.
AbstractOBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two homeopathic complexes Ubichinon compositum(®) (Ubi comp) and Coenzyme compositum ad us. vet.(®) (CoQ10 comp) on bovine sperm mitochondrial activity.
METHODS: Sperm viability, acrosomal integrity and sperm chromatin structure were estimated to detect the possible side effect of complexes on other sperm parameters.
RESULTS: Mitochondrial activity was significantly enhanced by both Ubi comp (P<0.01) and CoQ10 comp (P<0.05). No effects were detected in other tested sperm parameters.
CONCLUSION: The tested homeopathic complex medicines stimulate the mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm without effects on their viability, acrosomal integrity or chromatin structure. The possibility that this translates into improved fertilization capacity in artificial insemination should investigated.
Source : Homeopathy
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Homeopathic prescribing for chronic conditions in equine veterinary practice in the UK
R. T. Mathie, E. S. Baitson, L. Hansen, M. F. Elliott, J. Hoare
Twelve Faculty of Homeopathy veterinarians recorded data systematically at 777 consecutive
homeopathic appointments for horses over a period of 12 months. A spreadsheet enabled
the recording of information, which included the date of appointment; horse and owner
identity (anonymised); sex of horse; main medical problem treated; whether the condition
was chronic or acute; whether the appointment was new or a follow-up; owner-assessed
clinical outcome on a seven-point scale, ranging from –3 to +3, compared with the first
appointment; homeopathic medicine(s) prescribed; and whether any conventional or
other complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) was being used concurrently to treat the
condition. Data from 289 horses comprised a total of 305 individual conditions identified as
chronic in nature, of which 234 had a follow-up assessment. At the final appointment for
chronic cases during the study period, 4.3 per cent were receiving conventional medication
and 17.1 per cent were being given another CAM treatment in addition to homeopathy.
The eight chronic conditions most frequently treated with homeopathy were: arthritis,
headshaking, laminitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sweet itch, dermatitis,
sarcoidosis and Cushing’s syndrome.
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Evaluation of preventive homeopathic treatment against Colibacillosis in swine production
Cidéli de Paula Coelho1,2, Francisco Rafael Martins Soto2,
Erlete Rosalina Vuaden3, Priscilla Anne Melville2,
Flávia Carolina Souza Oliveira2, Nilson Roberti Benites2
(1) FACIS – IBEHE, São Paulo, Brazil;
(2) USP – Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
(3) M. Cassab - Nutrição Animal, São Paulo, Brazil;
ABSTRACT
Escherichia coli is the most important etiologic agent implied in neonatal diarrhea in swine; colibacillosis is the disease with highest impact in production of swine. The demands of consumers for meat without chemical residues and the ban on the use of antibiotics and chemotherapics in production of swine compelled to find alternative therapeutic and preventive treatments. Aims: to assess homeopathic treatment as preventive against colibacillosis in swine. Methods: the study was conducted in a farm in Mato Grosso, Brazil; stools of 4 piglets with diarrhea were collected to establish the presence of E. coli; concomitantly it was performed a clinical exam to identify the symptoms leading to the choice of a homeopathy remedy. Newborn piglets were divided into 4 groups (n= 11 or 12): 1) control, subjected to antibiotic treatment against diarrhea; 2) homeopathic treatment, performed with Phosphorus 30cH according to the symptoms collected; 3) biotherapic treatment, performed with Escherichia coli 30cH prepared from the locally obtained bacteria; 4) homeopathic + biotherapics treatment. Results: all 3 groups treated with homeopathy/isotherapy presented a significant reduction of diarrhea compared to the control group (p=0.02); the group treated with Phosphorus 30cH + Escherichia coli 30cH presented the highest weight gain which was significant by comparison to all other groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: homeopathic and biotherapics treatment were more effective than antibiotics in the control of diarrhea in newborn piglets; combination of homeopathic and isopathic treatment resulted in the highest weight gain. These results suggest that homeopathy and isopathy are effective alternatives for the treatment of diarrhea by E. coli in newborn swine.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2009; 8(29): 183-190
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Flow cytometric evaluation of the effect of two homeopathic selenium preparations on mitochondrial activity of bovine spermatozoa
D. M. Aziz1, U. Janowitz2, K. P. Linscheid1, U. Schnurrbusch3 and H. Enbergs1
INTRODUCTION
Spermatozoa are highly differentiated cells and rich in mitochondria, generating energy especially to support their motility (1). Therefore they seem as a suitable cell model to test the effect of certain drugs, which enhance the mitochondrial activity. Positive results could have two advantages: At first
as a possibility to stimulate the oxidative energy metabolism of different body cells and secondly especially that of the sperm cells, because their mitochondrial activity is an important parameter concerning their motility and fertilization capacity (2). Because there are reports about a close
correlation between the selenium status or Se-content of sperms and their morphology and motility (3,4), we were interested to investigate the effect of homeopathic selenium containings drugs on the mitochondrial activity of sperm cells.
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Reproductive performance of sows inseminated with diluted semen treated with homeopathic medicine
Francisco Rafael Martins Soto1,3, Erlete Rosalina Vuaden2, Cideli de Paula Coelho3, Leoni Villano Bonamin4, Sérgio Santos de Azevedo5, Nilson Roberti Benites3, José Antônio Visintin3, Flavia Regina Oliveira de Barros3, Marcelo Demarchi Goissis3, Mayra Elena Ortiz D’Ávila Assumpção3, Mariana Groke Marques3.
1Ouro Preto, Swine Farm, Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil.
2 M Cassab, Animal Technology, São Paulo, Brazil.
3 University of São Paulo, College of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Brazil.
4 Paulista University, College of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
5 Academic Unity of Veterinary Medicine of Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos Campus, Paraíba, Brazil.
ABSTRACT
Aims: this study sought to assess the reproductive performance of sows inseminated with sperm treated with homeopathic medicines.
Materials and methods: the semen of 2 sexually mature boars age 18 months Pietrain and Duroc cross-bred with similar genetic and reproductive performance were chosen, as well as 125 sows. Sixteen samples of semen were collected and standardized through semen evaluation. Three homeopathic preparations and a placebo (control) were tested on the sperm (n=31/32 per group): Avena sativa 6cH, Pulsatilla nigricans 6cH and Avena sativa 6cH + Pulsatilla nigricans 6cH. Sows were inseminated 3 times with the same estrous diagnostic procedures.
Results: there was significant difference (p<0.05) between Avena sativa 6cH and the other 3 groups regarding the return to estrus and parturition rate. There was no significant difference among the groups regarding the number of newborn piglets.
Conclusion: these data suggest that homeopathic preparation Avena sativa may be used directly on sperm cells to improve the parturition rate in technified swine farms.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2010; 9(30): 51-57
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Efficiency of tick biotherapic on the control of infestation by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Dutch dairy cows
Zilda Cristiani Gazim1, Fabiana Borges Padilha Ferreira1, Aristeu Vieira da Silva2, Kelly Cristina Bolognese1, Ewerton Merlin1, Valdeci Messa1, Renan Almeida de Jesus3, Cesar Alberto Coutinho3, Luiz Cláudio Monteiro da Silva4
(1) University Paranaense – UNIPAR, Umuarana, PR, Brazil;
(2) State University of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil;
(3) Nutriphós Company- Nutrição Animal, Brazil; (4)Veterinarian, Brazil.
ABSTRACT
Background: cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus poses serious problems for farmers in Brazil, especially because the parasite easily develops resistance to pesticide agents. For this reason, together with other factors including environmental, human and animal contamination and costs, alternative approaches have been sought for.
Aims: this study sough to evaluate the efficiency of a tick biotherapic on tick-infested cows.
Methods: 34 dairy Dutch cows were divided in 2 groups: one group received 100g/day of mineral salt supplement impregnated with tick biotherapic 12cH for 6 months, and then in alternate days with tick biotherapic 30cH to complete 28 months of treatment; the other group (control) received only the mineral salt supplement. After 28 months of treatment, engorged Rhipicephalus (boophilus) microplus females were collected in both groups, counted and weighed; in vitro tests were carried out to assess mass of ticks; egg mass; egg-hatching rate; and reproductive efficiency.
Results: There was significant difference between both groups for all parameters evaluated; tick-mass (p = 0.0008); egg mass (p=0.0044); egg-hatching rate (p= 0.0017); and reproductive efficiency (p = 0.0044).
Conclusion: treatment with tick biotherapic significantly decreased the mass of engorged females, deposition and hatching rate of eggs, resulting consequently in the decrease of the reproductive efficiency of ticks.
Source : Int J High Dilution Res 2010; 9(33):156-164
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