New herbal remedy from Egerton University promises revolution in poultry farming

KENYA – Researchers at Egerton University’s Safe Food Reference Laboratory (SAF-Lab) have unveiled a groundbreaking herbal solution known as Aloe Secundiflora Herbal Extract (ASHE).

This innovative remedy, derived from aloe vera, has shown remarkable efficacy in preventing Coccidiosis in free-range chickens, boasting an 80 percent success rate.

Coccidiosis, a major concern for poultry farmers in Kenya, accounts for over half of their economic losses.

The lead scientist, Professor Charles Muleke Inyangwa, highlighted that ASHE provides a natural defense against this costly disease without the risk of transmitting drug-resistant bacteria to humans.

“Approximately 40 percent of poultry diseases in Kenya have developed resistance to artificial drugs. With over a quarter of the poultry population affected by Coccidiosis, an herbal remedy is crucial to saving the sector millions,” said Professor Inyangwa.

The professor elaborated on the pervasive problem of internal parasites in poultry, particularly Ascaris and coccidian parasites, which inflict significant economic damage.

He noted that the misuse of antimicrobials and dewormers has resulted in drug-resistant poultry, leaving farmers in dire need of safe and effective alternatives. T

ASHE, which also treats roundworms, is administered through water and has shown to decrease Coccidiosis infection rates by 81 percent.

The production process starts in Baringo County, where Aloe Secundiflora is harvested.

The leaves are processed to extract the gel, which is then freeze-dried at minus 80°C for 24 hours, followed by an 18-hour period in a vacuum chamber to produce a fine powder.

This powder is packaged in 30-gram containers for use.

Administered orally, ASHE disrupts the hatching of helminth eggs and coccidian oocytes. 

With these promising results, Professor Inyangwa and his team are seeking approval from the Kenya Bureau of Standards to make ASHE available to farmers.

“We have developed a product that meets our farmers’ needs. Our trials confirm its effectiveness, and we believe ASHE will be transformative once available on the market,” he stated.