Evaluation of anemia Haemoprotozoan diseases in goats by using FAMACHA scoring in Barishal district, Bangladesh

Abstract

Anemia in goats is a prevalent and significant health issue, characterized by pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, weakness, activity intolerance, reduced body weight, and stunted growth. It is often caused by hemoprotozoan diseases, parasitism (both internal and external), and nutritional deficiencies. For small ruminant farmers, anemia poses severe economic challenges by reducing productivity, including slower growth rates and lower milk yields, and increasing mortality if left untreated. This study was conducted in Barishal Sadar Upazila, Barishal district, over a 3 month period from November 2021, to January 2022 Out of 216 goats examined, 37 cases (17.12%) were diagnosed with anemia. The data revealed that Black Bengal goats had the highest prevalence of anemia (62.16%), followed by Jamunapari (29.73%) and crossbreeds (8.11%). Female goats (62.17%) were more affected than males (37.83%). Anemia was most prevalent in goats aged 13-18 months (59.46%), compared to 7-12 months (24.33%) and 0-6 months (16.21%). The FAMACHA scoring system was used to assess anemia severity, offering an affordable, practical, and accessible tool for evaluating conjunctival color on a scale from 1 (no anemia) to 5 (severe anemia). In this study, I standardized the FAMACHA chart for goats in the Barishal district. The results showed that as FAMACHA scores increased, red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, while white blood cell (WBC) counts increased, indicating more severe anemia. Elevated WBC counts also suggested possible underlying infections. This study underscores the FAMACHA chart’s effectiveness in diagnosing anemia and highlights its potential as a valuable tool for anemia management in tropical and subtropical regions.