Evaluation of the Effect of Neem Leaf Extract on the Control of Ectoparasites in Cattle in Kogi State

This study evaluates the acaricidal and insecticidal efficacy of neem leaf aqueous extract against ectoparasites in cattle in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. Ectoparasites including ticks, lice, and flies impose significant production losses on cattle through direct feeding, skin damage, disease transmission, and blood loss. Conventional acaricides are increasingly costly and associated with resistance development, creating interest in plant-based alternatives. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is widely available in Nigeria and has documented insecticidal properties. This study prepares standardised aqueous neem leaf extract and tests three concentrations (5, 10, and 20 percent w/v) against a commercial acaricide (cypermethrin) and an untreated control in a randomised complete block design using 25 naturally tick-infested Bunaji cattle in Ankpa local government area. Tick counts, louse counts, fly landing rates, and skin condition scores are assessed weekly over 12 weeks. Findings reveal that 20 percent neem extract reduces tick counts by 74 percent at four weeks post-application, comparable to the cypermethrin control at 82 percent reduction. Louse and fly infestation are also significantly reduced. The 10 percent extract shows moderate efficacy, while 5 percent shows minimal effect. No adverse skin reactions are observed at any neem concentration. Neem extract cost per application is 85 percent lower than cypermethrin. The study concludes that 20 percent neem leaf aqueous extract is an effective, low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative for ectoparasite control in Kogi State cattle. It recommends community-scale neem extract preparation training for smallholder cattle farmers.

Keywords: neem leaf extract, ectoparasite control, cattle, Kogi State, acaricide alternative.