Gastro-intestinal parasites of Capra hircus slaughtered in parts of Ijebu Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and species diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in domestic goats (Capra hircus) slaughtered at two (2) major abattoirs in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. Out of 104 faecal samples subjected to the sedimentation technique in the Zoology Laboratory, an overall GI parasite prevalence of 78.8% was detected. Ten parasite species were identified, namely Bunostoma spp., Capillaria spp., Coccidia spp., Fasciola hepatica, Haemochus contortus, Moneiza spp., Nematodirus, Taenia hydatigena, Trichuris ovis and Strongyloides spp. with Coccidia spp. and Trichuris ovis being the most common (10.2% each), followed by Fasciola hepatica (7.3%). The abattoir located at Imowo-Eleran had the most prevalence with 70.2%. The There was no significant relationship with p>0.05 between the parasites found in the faecal samples collected and demographic factors (age or sex). Mono-infections predominated (40.4%), but double and triple infections were also observed, indicating polyparasitism. The findings highlight significant health on goat productivity due to parasitism. Poor abattoir hygiene and management practices could likely contribute to the infection rates at the two abattoirs. This study underscores the need for improved parasite control strategies and better sanitary conditions in abattoirs to reduce GI parasite burdens in Nigerian domestic goats