Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of goats slaughtered in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are considered the major disease-causing organisms of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Nigeria. This study evaluated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of goats slaughtered in Swali Abattoir, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Faecal samples collected from 100 goats were analysed for the presences of gastrointestinal parasites using formol-ether concentration technique. An overall prevalence of 34% was recorded during the study. Among the 61 female and 39 male goats examined, 27(44.26%) and 7(17.95%) were infected, respectively. The gastrointestinal parasites identified were Trichostrongylus species, Haemonchus species and Eimeria species; with Trichostrongylus spp. being the most prevalent (64.7%). Statistically, the result showed no significant difference with respect to age (p=0.06). Although a higher prevalence was recorded among the Kano breed (36.84%) than Red Sokoto breed (32.26%), the difference was not significant (p<0.05). Economic losses due to gastrointestinal parasitism are serious constraints affecting small ruminant production worldwide. Therefore, it is recommended that regular effective control measures should be employed and farmers should be educated on the proper use of anthelminthics.