Determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth among slaughtered cattle in benin city abattoirs

Project Abstract

This research project aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs. The study was conducted to assess the extent of helminth infections in cattle that are brought to the abattoirs for slaughter, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. A total of 200 cattle were sampled from different abattoirs in Benin City, and their gastrointestinal tracts were examined for the presence of helminth parasites. The results of the study revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among the slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs. Various species of helminths were identified, including nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. The most common helminth species found in the study were Haemonchus contortus, Fasciola hepatica, and Moniezia spp. These parasites are known to cause significant economic losses in the livestock industry due to reduced productivity and increased mortality rates. The study also found a higher prevalence of helminth infections in older cattle compared to younger animals. This could be attributed to the cumulative exposure to infective stages of helminths over time. Additionally, cattle from different locations within Benin City showed varying levels of helminth infections, indicating a potential geographical influence on parasite prevalence. The findings of this research highlight the importance of implementing effective control measures to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle populations in Benin City. Regular deworming programs, improved hygiene practices, and proper management techniques are essential for preventing and controlling helminth infections in cattle. Furthermore, raising awareness among livestock farmers and abattoir workers about the risks associated with helminth infections can help mitigate the spread of these parasites. In conclusion, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs is a significant concern that requires attention from both veterinary and public health sectors. By understanding the extent of helminth infections and implementing appropriate control strategies, it is possible to reduce the economic impact of these parasites and ensure the health and welfare of cattle populations in the region.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p>INTRODUCTIONRuminants 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>