THE PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN GOATS

ABSTRACT

Goats are domesticated small ruminants which are reared for their meat, milk and manure. Goats are highly susceptible to internal parasites than other livestock due to its grazing behaviour and poor immunity. This study sought to examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in goats at the University of Benin Farm Project, Benin City, Edo State. For the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on the gender, breed and age of goat. A total of 40 goats comprising of two breeds namely the west African Dwarf and the Maradi goat. The faecal samples were collected from the swabbing the rectum of the goats. The following prevalence Eimeria faurei (22.5%), Fasciola hepatica (5%), Strongyloides papilosus (7.5%). Trichuris ovis (10%) and Haemochus contortus (12.5%). Poor sanitation and proper deworming was noted to be a significant factor in the prevalence of the gastrointestinal parasites.