Factors affecting seasonal prevalence of blood parasites in dairy cattle in Omdurman locality, Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted in Al-Rodwan project in Omdurman to investigate the prevalence of blood parasites in dairy cattle during different seasons. A total of 290 animals were examined during three seasons: dry cool (100), dry hot (95) and wet hot (95). The results showed that the prevalence of blood parasites during different seasons was 8, 5.25 and 6.32% for dry cool, dry hot and wet hot season, respectively. The prevalence of Theileria species infection was found to be 7, 5.25 and 6.32% for dry cool, dry hot and wet hot season, respectively. While the prevalence of Babesia species infection was only recorded in the dry cool season as (1%). There was no effect (χ2= 0.6, p> 0.05) of season on the occurrence of blood parasites. Strong association (t-test= –43.6, p< 0.05) was found between presence of blood parasites and milk yield. Key words: Dairy cattle, blood parasites, season, Sudan.