A coprological survey on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats in Kalmunai veterinary division

Abstract

Goat farming is one of the main sectors that contribute to the economy of Kalmunai area of the Ampara district. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats from four villages (Neelavanai, Natpaddimunai, Maruthamunai and Pandiruppu) of the Kalmunai Veterinary division. A total of 80 faecal samples were collected and examined for parasitic eggs and coccidian oocysts using simple salt flotation method and McMaster counting technique. Three types of nematode eggs, namely Strongyle, Strongyloides and Trichuris types, and Eimeria oocysts were observed in this study. Of the 80 samples, 59 (73.8%) were positive for either nematode eggs or Eimeria oocysts. There were no differences (P > 0.05) on the occurrence of parasitism between males and females as well as between different age categories. However, the number of animals excreting Strongyle and Strongyloides type eggs was significantly low in goats reared under intensive management system compared with other management systems (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the occurrence of parasitism between the sampled locations (P > 0.05). Female goats had high EPG (eggs per gram of faeces) counts compared with males, but the difference was not significant (P> 0.05). Although not significant, goat kids had slightly high EPG, and the EPG was significantly low (P < 0.05) in goats reared under intensive management system. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the EPG among the four sampling locations. The parasitic stages excreted by the goats in this study are similar to those recorded from elsewhere in this country. The high parasitism observed in extensively managed goats may be due to the exposure to contaminated pastures in communal lands. A longitudinal study is needed to design a sustainable strategy to control parasitism in goats in the study area.