PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHES OF CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT DANKAMA ABATTOIR
Abstract
The objective of this study was to critically review the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of cattle slaughtered at Dankama Abattoir. Cattle are a major source of animal protein, flexible income for family units, employment, farm energy, and manure. However, infections due to gastrointestinal helminths remain a significant challenge. These diseases gradually deteriorate animal performance and are a major cause of economic losses in Nigeria. Parasitological techniques such as sedimentation and flotation were employed and examined microscopically to determine the parasites and the number of eggs per gram of feces. Out of the 50 fecal samples examined, 24 (62.0%) were infected with one or more species. The observed species were classified into trematodes (Fasciola, Schistosome, Dicrocoelium), cestodes (Monezia, Taenia, Hymenolepis), and nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris, Nematodirus, Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Ostertagia). A higher prevalence was observed among young cattle (2 to 5 years: 48.0%) compared to those older than five years (14.0%). Additionally, female cattle had a higher prevalence rate (54.0%) than their male counterparts (8.0%). This study highlights the importance of farmer awareness and the adoption of modern animal rearing and care methods to ensure maximum productivity. Such initiatives should be advocated and encouraged through the Ministry of Agriculture.
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