Tests of pumpkin seed de-wormers on animals Some studies of sheep and goats have found pumpkin seed to reduce worm loads, and other studies have found that they do not. Some scientists have concluded that pumpkin seed may be an effective preventative, but not a treatment for worm problems in livestock.
The seeds of pumpkins and other vine crops contain the substance cucurbitacin, which has been shown to be a deworming compound. The study showed a significant reduction in average fecal egg counts over a 21-day period. Learn More About Powhatan School!
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – This is a long-standing and well-known natural antibiotic with multiple health benefits. You can mix ACV with molasses to improve the taste. Give approximately 5mls a day. Garlic – Use garlic as a worm-preventative and effective dewormer treatment.
In most recent years, herbalists have found that pumpkin seeds are an effective agent in deworming for humans and dogs as well. What makes pumpkin seeds successful with deworming is the amino acid they contain called cucurbitin.
Composting worms will absolutely love eating any members of the cucurbitaceae plant family like pumpkins, squash, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, etc. These fruits break down very quickly, are high in sugar, and lack the sinewy nature of plants like broccoli, so worms are quick to swarm them in your worm bin.
Additionally, one of the benefits of pumpkin seeds is that they contain cucurbitin, an amino acid that acts as a natural de-worming agent by paralyzing tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. 3. The soluble fiber in pumpkin flesh slows digestion and can help manage diarrhea by absorbing water.
Efficacy is usually better with moxidectin (Cydectin). Levamisole (Prohibit, Leva-Med) is usually the most effective dewormer. Resistance varies by farm. Due to drug resistance, it is now recommended that clinically parasitized animals be given combination treatments.
Deworming for Stomach and Intestinal Worms: The clear drenches ivermectin and levamisole are by far the most effective in controlling stomach and intestinal worms. Stomach worms such as haemonchus contortus are blood suckers and cause anemia in sheep.
Closantel kills virtually all haemonchus larvae for at least four weeks after drenching and moxidectin (Cydectin®, Moximax®, Moxitak®, Sheepguard®, Topdec®) for at least two weeks. Moxidectin is also available in a long acting form that will give protection for 91 days (Cydectin LA ®, Mxaximus®).
Sheep and goats
Sheep and goat owners can safely feed pumpkin to their animals, too.
Interestingly, pumpkin seeds—which are not toxic to livestock and humans—contain a compound called cucurbitacin. This compound is present in many plant species and typically functions as an herbivore-deterrent because, in large quantities, it has a bitter taste.
Grazing Strategies
Approximately 80 percent of the worm larvae can be found in the first two inches of grass. Therefore, sheep grazing taller forages should have fewer parasite problems. Sheep should not be allowed to graze forages shorter than 3 inches in height. Sheep that browse also have fewer parasite problems.
Normally sheep should be treated every three to four weeks. Keep in mind that worms may develop resistance to a drug if exposed frequently. Lower stocking rates will reduce the intensity of the deworming program. Fewer sheep result in fewer shed worm eggs within a given area, and thereby reducing parasite loads.
Oral drenching is a commonly used measure and the one most recommended by experts. Tramisol, levamisole and ivermectin are among the more popular chemical products for sheep; for goats, popular chemical products include albendazole, fenbendazole, ivermectin, levamisole and moxidectrin.
Today, more and more shepherds are discovering the all natural application of garlic juice. In the attached study only 1/5 of an ounce (one teaspoonful) of garlic juice (with water added to make one ounce dose) was used 6 times during the year to bring worms in sheep under control.
Garlic is one of these commonly recommended natural wormers.
Scientific studies have been carried out into using garlic as a dewormer. They did demonstrate a reduction in worm egg production. However there is currently no evidence that garlic kills adult worms or reduces their numbers.
Akula Lice, Fly and Worms is a concentrated Ivermectin multi-purpose treatment for use in sheep of all ages. Akula can be used as an oral drench or jetting fluid for treatment of blowfly strike and biting lice in long wooled sheep.
Ewes should only be wormed once a year at lambing time; this will reduce the number of eggs on the pasture so that there are less for lambs to pick up. Lambs have little resistance to worms in their first grazing season but this develops with time.
The benefits of pumpkin for cats and dogs
Its high fiber content is particularly helpful for combatting both diarrhea and constipation. According to Dr. Graham, Chief Veterinarian at Animal Humane Society, “Most pets with inconsistent GI tract issues could typically benefit from pumpkin in their diet.
Many are carved and won't be eaten by humans. But animals love pumpkins. The good news is that pumpkins – provided they aren't painted or coated – are safe, nutritious and delicious for wildlife.
In traditional Western veterinary medicine, pumpkin is primarily used to promote digestive health. Because of the magic of fiber, pumpkin may be used to alleviate both constipation and diarrhea. In constipated pets, fiber helps draw water into the colon and soften feces.