Determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth among slaughtered cattle

Project Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminths are a significant concern in the livestock industry due to their impact on animal health and productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among slaughtered cattle in a specific region. A total of 500 cattle were examined post-mortem for the presence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. The study found that 70% of the slaughtered cattle were infected with at least one species of gastrointestinal helminth. The most common helminth species identified were Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, and Trichostrongylus spp. The prevalence of helminth infections varied among different age groups, with younger cattle showing higher infection rates compared to older animals. Additionally, there was a significant difference in infection rates between male and female cattle, with males being more susceptible to helminth infections. The study also investigated the seasonal variation in helminth prevalence and found that infection rates were higher during the rainy season compared to the dry season. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of helminth infections on cattle productivity by assessing parameters such as weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Infected cattle showed reduced weight gain and lower feed efficiency compared to non-infected animals, highlighting the economic implications of gastrointestinal helminth infections in cattle production. In conclusion, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among slaughtered cattle in the study area was high, with Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, and Trichostrongylus spp. being the most common species. The findings underscore the need for effective control measures to reduce the impact of helminth infections on cattle health and productivity. Implementing strategies such as regular deworming, pasture management, and monitoring of infection rates can help mitigate the negative effects of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle populations. Further research is warranted to explore the effectiveness of different control methods and to develop sustainable parasite management practices in livestock farming. Key words gastrointestinal helminths, prevalence, cattle, Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus, deworming, parasite management.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p>INTRODUCTION</p><p>Ruminants such as cattle, goat and sheep represent an important source of animal protein in many countries of the world, supplying a good percentage of the daily meat and dairy products in cities and villages. Apart from being the source of animal protein, their waste are also very important in agriculture (Nwosu et al., 2007).</p><p>In many parts of the world, cattle production is a profitable enterprise because of the high demand for dietary animal protein (Anaeto et al., 2009). Cattle on the other hand is widely distributed and reared in most part of the country, because it serves as the major animal protein source consumed by the people. Cattle are usually slaughtered at virtually all abattoirs in Nigeria, where they are sold to the public (households, restaurants, hotels e.t.c) as beef. Beef gotten from cattle account for about 70% of the total meat consumed in the country (Anene 1993). Cattle are greatly infected with gastrointestinal helminth (Anaeto, 2009). Gastrointestinal helminth infections have been associated with great economic losses to farmers throughout the world, these loses manifest through morbidity in acute cases and in chronic infection reduced weight gains, reduced food conversion, abortion, infertility, reduced meat and milk production (Ogunrinade, 1984; Karki, 1987; Bariajayaet al., 1995). These parasites are very ubiquitous and have also remained the major constraint, hindering the efficiency of rearing cattle and goats successfully (Khin, 2007; Siddiki et al., 2009). The negative impact of helminth infections on livestock productivity in tropical countries has long been established.</p><p>Helminthes cause a wide range of health problems to both man and animals (Colley et al., 2001). Helminthiasis, in large part is caused by members of the phyla nematode and platyhelminthes (Kenney and Harnett, 2001). Species belonging to both phyla occupy numerous niches within their mammalian hosts, ranging from intestinal lumen to intravascular and even intracellular sites (Littlewood and Bray, 2001).</p><p>The parasitic infections of ruminants are mostly caused by nematodes (such as Ostertagia spp., Capillaria spp.,Trichuris spp., Strongyliodes spp.), cestodes (such as Moniezia spp Taenia spp.) and Trematodes (such as Dicrocoelium spp., Fasciola gigantica, Amphistomes), (Zahid et al., 2005).Ruminants, infected by gastrointestinal helminth parasites cause loss to farmers through; low milk production, low fertility, reduced work capacity, involuntary culling, treatment cost, mortality and reduction in the market value of infected animal (Regassa et al., 2006).</p><p>Furthermore, most helminth parasites reside in the gastrointestinal tract where they are sheltered and obtain their nourishment. Their parasitic mode of life has an adverse effect on the host animal. They are responsible for substantial loss of productivity in livestock industry. Their harmful effects on the animals ranges from gastroenteritis, anorexia, abdominal distention, diarrhea, emaciation and loss of appetite, destruction of the liver paranchyma, these result in serious economic losses to the farmer and the nation in general (Junaidu and Adamu,1997). Similarly they constitute a major impediment to effective and profitable livestock production (Akerjola, 1999).</p><p>However, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes is related to the agroclimate condition like quantity and quality of the pasture, temperature, humidity and the grazing behavior of the host (Pal and Qagyum, 1993).</p><p>Information is lacking about the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among cattle in Benin City. Against this background, the study is conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among cattle in Benin City</p><p>AIMS OF STUDY</p><p>The aims of this study are to:-</p><p>Determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth among slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs.</p><p>Determine the relationship between demographic characters and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections.</p> <br><p></p>