GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF GOATS SLAUGHTERED IN ABATTOIRS IN AJAKA METROPOLIS
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) constitute a major constraint to small ruminant production worldwide, causing significant economic losses, reduced productivity, and increased mortality among goats. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in goats slaughtered in abattoirs within Ajaka Metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 100 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of goats and preserved in 10% formalin. Samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration technique and examined microscopically for parasite eggs, cysts, and oocysts. The results revealed a high parasitic burden, with 88 helminths and 12 protozoan parasites identified. The helminths recorded included Cooperia spp. (15.91%), Haemonchus contortus (12.50%), Trichuris spp. (11.36%), Trichostrongylus spp. (10.22%), Fasciola hepatica (10.22%), Moniezia spp. (9.09%), Chabertia spp. (9.09%), Strongyloides papillosus (6.82%), Oesophagostomum spp. (6.82%), Marshallagia marshalli (4.55%), and Paraphistomum cervi (3.41%). Among protozoan parasites, only Eimeria spp. was detected, with an overall prevalence of 100%. The predominance of Cooperia spp. and Eimeria spp. indicates that goats in Ajaka are heavily exposed to both nematode and protozoan infections. The variation in parasite prevalence observed may be attributed to climatic factors, grazing patterns, and management practices within the study area.This study underscores the significant burden of gastrointestinal parasitism in goats slaughtered in Ajaka Metropolis and highlights the implications for livestock productivity, food security, and public health. It is recommended that regular and strategic deworming, improved sanitation in abattoirs, effective grazing management, and farmer education be adopted to reduce the prevalence of these parasites. Additionally, control of snail intermediate hosts is necessary to minimize trematode transmission. These interventions are essential to enhance goat production and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.
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