GASTRO INTESTINAL PROTOZOA AND HELMINTHS INFESTATION IN GOATS SLAUGHTERED WITHIN LOKOJA METROPOLIS, KOGI STATE

Abstract

This study evaluates the Gastrointestinal Protozoa and Helminths in Goats slaughtered within Lokoja Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 230 fecal samples were collected from various locations in Lokoja, Kogi State through October-November, 2022. Flotation technique was employed for the isolation of gastrointestinal parasite eggs in the fecal samples using microscope. The result indicated six parasites ova from different genera in the samples. These include; Strongyloidespp, Haemonchusspp,Trichurisspp, Eimeriaspp, Moniezaspp and Entamoeba spp. Haemonchusspp was the most prevalent parasite encountered 34 oocytes (26.8%), followed by Strongyloidesspp 23 oocytes (18.1%), Eimeriaspp 22 oocytes (17.3%), Trichurisspp 21 oocytes (16.1%) while Entamoebaspp 16 oocytes (12.6%) and Monieziaspp was the least prevalent 11 oocytes (8.7%). It was also observed that Does were more susceptible to gastrointestinal parasite than bucks. Similarly, more parasites were found among adult goats than younger ones. TheChi-square test of this research work revealed that there was no statistically significant differences in infections between sex, age and breed. However, Goat keepers should practice proper sanitation and maintain hygienic environmental conditions to reduce the survival of oocytes in these areas.