Eimeria caprina sp. n. from the Domestic Goat, Capra hircus, from the USA

Abstract

The ellipsoidal to slightly ovoid oocysts of Eimeria caprina sp. n. from the domestic goat, Capra hircus, are 27--40 x 19.5--26 micrometers (mean 31.8 x 23.1 micrometers); their sporocysts are 13--17 x 7--10 micrometers (mean 15.3 x 8.5 micrometers). The oocyst wall is 1.7 micrometers thick, smooth, dark brown to brownish-yellow, and 2-layered. Micropyle, polar granule, and sporocyst residuum are present; micropylar cap and oocyst residuum are absent. These features distinguish the new species from other species in the genus which have a micropylar cap, or are smaller, or have a small micropyle with a small internal plug.