Assessment of roundworm species prevalence in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at Lafia Abattoir, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal parasites pose a great constraint to livestock production and cause high incidence of mortality and low production in livestock. This study was designed to identify the roundworm species infections in cattle, sheep and goats that were slaughtered at Lafia abattoir during the rainy season (April to June, 2016). The aim was to sensitize livestock stakeholders to strategize effective means of disrupting the life cycles of the roundworms in order to prevent their widespread within the herds. Faecal samples were collected from 22 cattle, 25 sheep and 23 goats and were examined by simple floatation method and microscopy for the presence of roundworms. Results showed that out of a total of 70 animals examined, 36 representing 51.4% of the animals were infected with various species of roundworms. Those found in the animals examined included Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Ascaris suum and Neoascaris vitulorum. It was observed that both sexes of all the animal breeds examined were infected, though males were more susceptible than the females. Animals in all the age categories were infected and those on extensive management system were more infected than those in semi-intensive. Since different species of roundworms were found in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at Lafia abattoir, it indicated that there was probably high prevalent rate of roundworms in the area. More so, mixed species infection of Ascaris suum and Neoascaris vitulorum were recorded in goats, suggesting severe burden that may hinder optimum physiological performance. It could be necessary therefore to advise that careful disposal of the gastrointestinal contents, regular deworming, implementation of strict biosecurity measures and intensive animal production system should be adopted in the study area. This may disrupt the life cycles of the roundworm species thus, preventing parasitic infections from spreading to other animals in the study area.

Helminth Parasites of Goats and Sheep at Slaughter House in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

“…(χ2 = 24.63, P = <0.001) There was a statistical significance in breeds. Gwagwalada abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria by Eke et al (2019) and Solomon et al (2014) respectively (Solomon et al, 2014Adua et al, 2017;Eke et al, 2019;Pam et al, 2020).…”

Gastrointestinal parasitosis in cattle: Unveiling the landscape across diverse production systems in Bangladesh

“…Rates of parasitism throughout Bangladesh are high due to its geographical position with a low-laying area, heavy rainfall, and humidity (Hossain et al, 2016). Cattle are mostly susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs), which have negative effects on the productivity and health of ruminants (Adua et al, 2017). GIPs cause calf mortality (Bilal et al, 2009), enteric diseases (Van Metre et al, 2000), decreased growth (Jittapalapong et al, 2011), lowered productivity (Zvinorova et al, 2016), and reduced milk production (Charlier et al, 2009).…”