Survey on Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in Two Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Livestock production is faced with several problems, which, in the long run, result in low productivity. There is a need to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle in Keffi and Lafia, Nasarawa State. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of cattle in markets and abattoirs into sterile labelled polythene bags and conveyed in ice packs to the Parasitology Laboratory for examination using the flotation technique. A total of 200 cattle from Keffi and Lafia were examined for intestinal helminths. A total of 105 (52.5%) cattle were infected. Cattle from Lafia LGA were slightly more infected (55.0%) than those from Keffi LGA (p>0.05). The rearing system was found to be a significant determinant of infection since animals reared under a closed system had less infection than those in the open system. Parasites encountered ranged from trematodes, nematodes, to protozoans with single parasitism mainly from Fasciola spp. It is recommended that pastures should be rotated even if closed ranging system is practised, avoid overgrazing, feed the cattle with good feed and clean water.