Prevalence and Effects of Oxpeckers Interactions on Cattle at The Federal University of Agriculture Cattle Production Farm Abeokuta

Abstract

Oxpeckers activities are emerging challenges confronting cattle farmers apart from pests and parasites requiring the need to understand the relationship existing between them and the cattle. This study determined the prevalence and effects of oxpeckers’ feeding habits at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Fifteen visitations were made to the herd of 230 cattle between 7:25 and 8:45 am to observe oxpeckers interactions over a period of three months. The number of observations, perching site, feeding and non-feeding activities, inflicted wounds, tolerance and intolerance behaviors of cattle were recorded. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20 and the result was expressed in frequencies and percentages. Pearson chi square test was used to determine significant differences between breeds and coat colours with the p-value less than 0.05 (p > 0.05) was considered significant. Out of the 230 cattle, 201 (87.4%) were infested with 635 oxpeckers (Buphagus africanus) with the White Fulani breed having the highest prevalence of infestation 152 (75.6%), while Bokolo was lowest 11 (5.5%). White colour was highly infested 144 (71.6%) with lowest in black. Twenty two (10.9%) out of the 201 infested cattle had wounds with white colour 13 (59.1%) being the highest followed by black and white. In conclusion, oxpeckers are more attracted to white colour than other colours. The relationship between oxpeckers and cattle can be switched from mutualism to parasitism under certain conditions.