Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites of free-range and slaughtered cattle in akoko south-west, ondo state, nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the gastrointestinal parasites of cattle using the stool of 150 cattle gotten from free-range and abattoirs at different areas of Akoko South-West of Ondo State. Fresh faecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum and a few from the ground. These faecal samples were processed through Direct smear, Sedimentation and Floatation techniques to identify gastrointestinal parasites species. Microscopic examination revealed that about 120 cattle (80%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The study revealed that a total of 70 Cattle (46.67%) had single infection while 50 (33.33%) of the infected cattle had mixed infections. The prevalence rate of parasitic infection was higher in female (63.3%) than in male (16.7%) cattle. Out of all the parasites observed, trematode parasites had 18.18% prevalence in female cattle while protozoa had higher prevalence in female (83.36%) than in male (62.5%) cattle. Also nematode parasites were more prevalent in female (83.36%) than in male (62.5%) cattle. Nematode parasites had the highest prevalence rate among the identified parasites. This approach will initiate proper control strategies to minimize parasitic infection in cattle.