A Comparative Study on Efficacy of Piperazine Citrate and Levamisole Against Natural Infected Ascariasis in Indigenous Chicken of Bangladesh

Abstract

Backyard poultry farming is an essential component of rural livelihoods in Bangladesh, particularly for women, as it provides both nutrition and income. Indigenous chickens raised under traditional management systems are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal parasitic infections, with Ascaridia galli being the most prevalent and pathogenic nematode. This study investigated the prevalence of A. galli and evaluated the efficacy of two commercial anthelmintics, Piper® (piperazine citrate) and Neotrax® (levamisole), in indigenous chickens aged 2 to 12 months across several villages in Rowmari Thana, Kurigram district. The overall prevalence of ascariasis was 86%, with the highest infection rate (90%) observed in younger birds (2-4 months). Oral administration of Piper® (250 mg/kg) and Neotrax® (0.08 g/kg) resulted in significant improvements in body weight (10.42% and 30%, respectively) and complete elimination of parasite eggs by day 14, which was sustained through day 28. Hematological analyses showed increases in TEC, Hb, and PCV, along with reductions in ESR and TLC, indicating improved health status in treated birds. Postmortem examinations further confirmed the absence of intestinal lesions in treated groups, in contrast to the severe pathology observed in untreated controls. The study concludes that Piper® and Neotrax® are highly effective and safe for managing A. galli infections and offer a practical strategy for improving poultry health and productivity in rural backyard farming systems.

Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 12, No. 3, December 2025: 487-492