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

Helminth infections represent a serious health concern in sheep farming, with increasing reports of anthelmintic resistance rendering conventional pharmacological therapies less effective or ineffective, with significant implications for animal health and welfare. Consequently, the search for alternatives to commonly used synthetic products for helminth control has become imperative. This research investigates the therapeutic effects of a pomegranate-based aqueous macerate against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), while simultaneously evaluating potential impacts on clinical welfare indicators (Body Condition Score, FAMACHA Score, Fecal Score, Dag Score). To this end, a flock of forty Sardinian breed ewes, homogeneous for parasitic intensity (∼ 343 EPG), was enrolled and divided into two groups: treated (TG = 20 animals) and control (CG = 20 animals). The treated group received two oral administrations of macerate (50 mL/head) on Days 0 and 7. Fecal samples were collected from the animals on Days 7, 14, and 21 after the treatment, and parasitic intensity was assessed to determine the efficacy of the preparation. Treatment resulted in a reduction in parasitic intensity (FECR) of 50.2% on Day 7, peaking at 55.4% on Day 14, and 51.7% on Day 21. Fecal cultures revealed a significant reduction in Haemonchus contortus (from 15% to 10%) in the treated group at Day 21, a reduction of Trichostrongylus spp., and stability of Teladorsagia. Cumulative Link Mixed Models revealed significant improvements in all welfare indicators in treated compared to control animals: Body Condition Score showed significantly higher odds of better scores at Day 21 (OR = 16.44, p < 0.01), while FAMACHA, Fecal, and Dag scores all showed significantly lower odds of anemia, abnormal feces, and perianal contamination, respectively (p < 0.001 for all). A correlation was observed between the therapeutic efficacy of pomegranate-based treatment and the improvement of the animal welfare indicators (Animal-based measures - ABMs) examined. This activity is attributed to phytocomponents such as gallic acid, the most abundant compound, and ellagic acid, a well-recognized bioactive marker, both highly represented in the peel and seeds of the fruit. Therefore, these findings suggest that pomegranate (Punica granatum) could be a promising anthelmintic agent for use in veterinary drug rotation in sheep farms. Waste from fruit juice processing may represent a valuable resource to produce phytotherapeutic products to complement traditional anthelmintic protocols, fully consistent with the principles of the circular economy.