Herbal Horse Internal Parasite Control Compared to Chemicals
26/06/2006

Gillian Green Equine Science scholar, gets to the bottom of the facts surrounding herbal parasite control versus traditional chemicals.

Independent Trial Compares Verm-X Efficacy to Chemical Alternatives

Scientific literature suggests 100% of UK equines have some level of cyathostomin, small red worm, infection due to poor worming protocols.

Now in her fourth year at one of Scotland’s leading universities it comes as no surprise that Gillian, a long standing and conscientious horse owner herself, wanted to further her knowledge in this area.

Said Gillian: “My first and foremost concern lies in the good welfare of my horses. I had used chemical wormers in the past but was not totally convinced this was the best way to treat parasite burden in my horses.”

Gillian, a former event rider, has ridden for many years and currently manages a busy yard of 50 horses based at Argyle.

Using 30 horses from the yard Gillian compared Verm-X, the market leader in herbal management of internal parasite control, with the commonly used chemical anthelmintics by treating 15 horses on separate pasture with Verm-X and the other half on a hill using anthelmintics.

Monthly egg counts were taken to determine the effectiveness of each product.

Explains Gillian: “Using an in vitro egg hatch/laval development experiment, the wormers were compared for their ovicidal effectivity, for instance, how many eggs developed into larvae.

“Verm-X was found to strongly reduce larval hatching by 91%, even when only using a single dose and not the recommended five day administration.

“The results of Verm-X in these trials suggest that this 100% herbal formulation is ovicidally effective. With its gentle action on the horses system and no destructive environmental pollution when excreted, it is a safe and natural alternative.

“There are no known negative side effects with Verm-X but horse owners have reported that their horses have an improved glossy coat and improved appetite after using Verm-X. This blend of herbs encourages healthy gut microflora function and should help to improve specific immune responses to invading parasites.”

Case Study

Barley’s Road To Recovery

10 years ago Barley, a then 10 year old, arrived at Ann Crockers extensive stable in Berkshire.

Barley, a white 12 hh Welsh Section A pony gelding, soon became intermittently lame and Ann was at a loss at to find the reason why.  After using all her own extensive experience without success Ann sought the expertise of a qualified homeopath and it became clear that Barley was under attack from unknown toxins that were causing symptoms associated with laminitis and cushings disease.

At first it was thought these toxins were getting into Barley from the bark of a lellandii tree that Barley had taken a liking too.  Removing him out of reach of the tree raised hopes of ridding Barley of the lameness and getting him back into normal work.

This was not to be. The years passed and in 2005 Ann decided to see if there was a relationship between the dates of Barley’s intermittent lameness with her detailed worming diary Ann keeps for all her ponies.  Bingo? Ann realised that the periods of lameness did coincide with their chemical worming programme.

Ann’s daughter, Camilla, was set the task of finding an alternative to chemical worming her internet searching quickly led them to Verm-X, the now well established 100% natural alternative to chemical formulations.

At the next worming, back in November 2005, Ann purchased a single horse/pony sachet of Verm-X powder and again the recommended 12 weeks later.  Barley, now free from toxins, has for the first time in the 10 years that Ann has had him, has been through the winter sound, gaining weight and being able to be ridden.

Bulges that had appeared over his eyes have gone, his coat is healthy and his ribs are no longer visible. He is working and is happy to point his toes!

Whilst Ann is unable to be scientifically certain that Verm-X has being responsible for Barleys new found freedom of a normal life, she now uses Verm-X on all her older ponies and she has no plans to change away from using Verm-X on a regular basis.

The Verm-X Story

When searching for a more natural approach to keeping your horses’ parasite free, look no further than Verm-X.

All animals sustain some level of internal parasite burden, commonly termed worms, which must be controlled.

Launched four years ago, tried and trusted by many horse owners Verm-X provides an excellent alternative to using traditional chemically based methods of internal parasite control. The herbs included in the Verm-X range have been carefully blended together to work synergistically with each other.

Verm-X powder for horses is a powerful and effective blend of 11 herbs. It provides a 100% herbal formulation specifically designed to repel internal parasites. Easily added to feed, the Verm-X powder is extremely palatable and is ideal for horses kept on organic farms.

Following success of the powder formulation, Verm-X has introduced an easy to use liquid version which can be added to drinking water, as well as in feed. 

As Verm-X products are herbal and contain 100% natural ingredients they are not as hard on the gut wall, unlike chemical control of internal parasites. Available in easy to use packs, Verm-X is very economical.

Verm-X is recognised for Environmental Best Practice by the Government supported Green Apple Awards, for their work and success in bringing a natural product into a traditionally chemical and man-made market.

It is the only company in this country that focuses exclusively on natural parasite control for animals, basing all its research in this area.

Verm-X provides a free parasite check for horses in conjunction with independent laboratory, Westgate Laboratories.

Horse Powder is available in a single horse pack priced around £9.45 and an economy four horse pack priced around £31.80. Horse Liquid is priced around £14.25 for 250ml, £25.75 for 500ml and £44.50 for 1 litre.

Verm-X was first introduced for horses and subsequently, due to pet owner’s requests, the range also includes specific products for poultry and dogs and available soon Verm-X for cats.

Many retailers have recognised the excellent profit margins and benefits of stocking Verm-X, not just because of the increased consumer interest in non-chemical worming but Verm-X has the added advantage of not requiring SQP qualifications. Additionally, the trade mark up of Verm-X is approximately 50% representing the highest margins available in its category.

Verm-X is distributed by Westgate Group Ltd and Exmoor Wholesale Supplies, or direct from the owners at Paddocks Farm Partnership who can be contacted on 0870 850 2313 or email sales@verm-x.com 

http://www.verm-x.com/

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