Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in slaughtered cattle at selected slaughterhouses in Abeokuta and environs, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major factor that interferes in cattle development because of the economic losses they cause in relation to low herd productivity. A study was carried out from October 2014 to June 2015 to assess the seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle slaughtered in four cattle slaughterhouses namely Gbonagun, Lafenwa, Owode-egba and Aladesanmi in Abeokuta and environs, Ogun state, southwest Nigeria. A total of 160 faecal samples of cattle were collected across slaughter houses and examined. Of the 160 faecal samples examined, 47 (29.38%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Cattle slaughtered at Aladesanmi had the highest prevalence of 16 while those slaughtered at Lafenwa had the lowest prevalence of 6. Bulls had a higher infection rate of 27 (16.88%) while cows had a prevalence of 20 (12.50%). The gastrointestinal parasites observed were Strongyle and Eimeria species. Strongyle spp. had higher prevalence than Eimeria spp. There was no significant association (P >0.05) between the sex of cattle while a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed across different seasons. A higher prevalence was observed in the rainy season as compared with the dry season. The current study suggests that attention should be given to awareness creation among the cattle owners on the proper management and most sustainable way to reduce the risk of contamination and minimise problems that could cause economic losses in cattle production especially during the rainy season when these parasites are more prevalent.