Gastrointestinal Parasites of Sheep and Goats in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria; with a special reference to sex, breed and age

Abstract

A total of 100 fecal samples of sheep and goats of different breeds consisting of 56 goats and 44 sheep were examined. These samples were processed and screened by direct smear method for the detection of parasitic ova. Ova of parasites were identified through their morphological features using the available keys. The prevalence rate for goat was (37.5%) while for sheep was (43.1%). The gastrointestinal parasite encountered for goats were Trichostrongylus colubriformis (16.1%), Fasciola hepatica (7.1%), Strongyloides papillosus (3.6%), Trichuris ovis (3.6%) Eimeria faurei (1.8%), Haemonchus contortus (1.8%), Fascioloides magna (1.8%) and Skrjabinema caprae (1.8%) while for sheep were Fasciola hepatica (18.1%) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (9.1%) Eimeria faurei (2.3%) Haemonchus contortus (4.5%), Trichuris ovis (4.5%) and Paramphistomum cervi (4.5%). Sex wise prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher in female goats (26.8%), than male goats (10.7%) (P0.05). The older goats were more infected: (32.1%); compared to the younger goats: (5.4%) (P>0.05).Sex wise prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher in (ram) male (31.8%), than (ewe) female (11.4 %) (P> 0.05). Among sheep breeds the Yankasa, Uda and Balami had (13.6%), (15.9%) and (13.6%) infection rates respectively (P>0.05). The Adult sheep were more infected: (27.2%) compared to the younger sheep: (15.9%) (P>0.05). In conclusion, the data obtained in this study suggest that the age, sex, and breed are important factors which influence the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites