Smart Man’s Sericea Lespedeza and Worm Control: A Review

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don.) has historically been called “poor man’s alfalfa”, because of its ability to grow on marginal soil with the minimal inputs of lime or fertilizer. With recent research detailing the potential health benefits of this forage to animals, it may be time for a new nickname. Although sericea lespedeza has been used for soil conservation and as an inexpensive (low-input) source of pasture or hay crop for nearly 100 years, research over the last 10-15 years has demonstrated the excellent bioactivity of this plant against infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus contortus) and protozoan parasites (Eimeria spp.) in livestock. This bioactivity, which has been attributed to a unique type of condensed tannins (CT), has been confirmed in both fresh (grazed) and dried (hay, meal, pellets) forms of sericea lespedeza in a number of studies with sheep, goats, and cattle. There is on-going research with this forage to determine the effect of ensiling on its bioactive properties and to validate its anti-parasitic effects on-farm. Future research will focus on determining the mode of action of sericea lespedeza tannins against internal parasites and the interplay between the nutritional value and the health benefits of this plant.