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Aim:The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of small ruminants (Sheep and Goats) in North Western part of Tamil Nadu, India.Materials and Methods:A total of 630 faecal samples (251-sheep, 379-goats) and 554 blood smears (242-sheep, 312-goats) were examined, for the presence of eggs of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites, respectively. The samples were received from the Veterinary college hospital and Veterinary dispensaries in North Western part of Tamil Nadu. Faecal samples were processed by sedimentation technique and examined under low power objective (×10), and blood smears were stained using Giemsa’s technique and examined under oil immersion (×100).Result:The analysis of data on the prevalence of intestinal and haemoprotozoan parasites of sheep and goats in North Western part of Tamil Nadu for the period from 2004 to 2013, showed an overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be 67% and 35% in sheep and goats, respectively, whereas only 11% of sheep and 3% of goats had the haemoprotozoan parasitic infection. Highly, significant difference (p<0.01) in the prevalence of intestinal (χ2=65), and hemoprotozoan (χ2=15.4) parasitism was observed between sheep and goats. Intestinal parasites such as strongyles, Trichuris, Moniezia, amphistome, and coccidia were identified in which the highest prevalence was observed with coccidia, followed by strongyles, Monezia, Trichuris, and least with amphistome in both the sheep and goats. The haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were Theileria and Anaplasma species, of which, Anaplasma spp. being the highest and Theileria spp. the least prevalent in both the sheep and goats. The seasonal prevalence of intestinal parasites showed highest in rainy season, followed by moderate in winter and least with summer in both the sheep and goats, whereas the haemoprotozoan parasites recorded were the highest in summer followed by winter and least with rainy season.Conclusion:The present study suggests that North Western part of Tamil Nadu is highly endemic for intestinal parasites such as coccidia and strongyles and haemoprotozoans such as Anaplasma and Theileria species in small ruminants.

Skincare products have had a huge impact on the skin of users either positively or negatively. Most people are becoming more concerned about the harmful effects of chemicals used in skincare products. In Malaysia, most of the users are Malays who are generally Muslims. As Muslims, they use Halal products that are free of porcine or animal substances that are not being processed according to Islamic principles. Hence, this study aims to explore the main factors which are taken into consideration when Malay students purchase skincare products. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to Malay students in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to gain feedback on the factors that influenced them to buy skincare products. The findings show that most Malay students considered Halal, product safety, brand, price and quality as being the most important factors when purchasing skincare products. This paper highlights that most Malay university students in Malaysia preferred to purchase skincare products that are Halal, safe, of high quality and reputable brands. They were even willing to pay more for high quality skincare products that fulfil the above criteria. Thus, the findings of this study have an implication on appropriate marketing strategies to be implemented for future skincare products to boost sales and profits in the Malaysian market.

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