Evaluation of the nutritional composition of plants used by rural farmers in the treatment of helminths

Introduction Gastro-intestinal (GI) helminths negatively affect poultry health and productivity by impairing nutrient utilization, growth, and immune function, while the prolonged use of synthetic anthelmintics is associated with drug resistance and residue concerns. Phytomedicines are widely used to control GI helminths, not only due to their medicinal properties but also because their nutritional composition may enhance host resilience and resistance to parasitism. However, information on the nutritional profiles of many commonly used anthelmintic plants remains limited. This study therefore evaluated the nutritional composition of Aloe ferox, Agave sisalana, and Gunnera perpensa. Methods Plant samples were subjected to proximate analysis, while mineral content was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results Crude protein and total Kjeldahl nitrogen were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in G. perpensa (116.9 and 18.7 g/kg DM, respectively). Iron (907.33 ppm) and copper (699.33 ppm) concentrations were also highest in G. perpensa compared to A. ferox (iron 114.7 ppm; copper 11.0 ppm) and A. sisalana (iron 111.0 ppm; copper 27.0 ppm). Manganese concentration was highest in A. ferox (246.67 ppm), followed by G. perpensa (84.3 ppm) and A. sisalana (21.7 ppm). Discussion The nutritional profiles of these phytomedicines suggest that, in addition to their anthelmintic properties, they may contribute essential nutrients that enhance chicken resilience and resistance to GI parasitism.