Use of Punica granatum phytocompounds against gastrointestinal nematode in sheep: health and welfare implications.

Pomegranate macerate demonstrates 50-55% anthelmintic efficacy with improved welfare indicators in sheep.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) aqueous macerate as an alternative anthelmintic agent in 40 Sardinian ewes with gastrointestinal nematode infections. The treated group (n=20) received two oral doses of 50ml macerate on Days 0 and 7, while controls (n=20) received no treatment. Fecal egg count reduction (FECR) reached 50.2% by Day 7, peaked at 55.4% on Day 14, and remained at 51.7% on Day 21. Fecal culture analysis demonstrated significant reductions in Haemonchus contortus (15% to 10%) and Trichostrongylus spp., with stable Teladorsagia populations. Beyond parasitological efficacy, treated animals showed significantly improved welfare indicators including Body Condition Score (OR=16.44, p<0.01), FAMACHA Score, fecal consistency, and reduced perianal contamination (p<0.001). The bioactive compounds gallic acid and ellagic acid, concentrated in pomegranate peel and seeds, likely mediate the anthelmintic effects. These findings support pomegranate as a viable rotational anthelmintic strategy for sheep farms, particularly addressing emerging anthelmintic resistance. Fruit juice processing waste represents a sustainable resource for phytotherapeutic development aligned with circular economy principles.

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