A new control strategy for nematodes of sheep using chlamydospores of a fungus, Clonostachys rosea f. rosea, and an ethanolic extract of a plant, Ananas comosus

An experiment was conducted at Ukulinga Research Farm using 24 Merino sheep to test a combination of plant Ananas comosus (Ac) and fungus Clonostachys rosea (Cr) in controlling nematode parasites. Four treatments were assigned: 100 mg kg(-1) body weight (BW) ethanol extract of Ac, 1 g of Cr product kg(-1) BW, the combination of both treatments (AcCr), and a Control. Sheep within a treatment were paired and penned in individual paddocks, and rectal faecal samples were taken for counting of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and third-stage (L3) larvae. Grass samples were taken every 21 days for counting of L3 larvae. A. comosus and AcCr reduced (P < 0.001) EPG. A. comosus, C. rosea and AcCr reduced (P < 0.001) L3 counts. The efficacy of treatments increased with time (P < 0.001). C. rosea and AcCr reduced (P < 0.001) L3 on grass. In conclusion, AcCr is better at controlling nematodes than either Ac or Cr individually.