Natural wormers look promising

PLANTS INCLUDING chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke have properties which could be used to control worms in outdoor organic pigs in the future, according to Danish research student Helena Mejer.

She explained that the plants contained easily-fermentable carbohydrates which used microflora bacteria in the hind gut, creating a hostile environment for parasites.” At 25% of the energy content of the diet, these plants reduced worm egg excretion and minimised pasture contamination,” said Ms Mejer.

“The plants seem promising, but we are still not sure whether they need to be fed continually, or at regular intervals.”