PREVALENCE OF HELMINTHS PARASITES IN SLAUGHTERED CATTLE IN IBADAN CENTRAL ABATTOIR,AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,OYO STATE

ABSTRACT Helminths are among the most important parasites of cattle, causing reduced productivity, poor weight gain, and significant economic losses in livestock production. This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle slaughtered at Akinyele Central Abattoir, Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred (100) faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of slaughtered cattle and examined using standard parasitological techniques, including flotation and sedimentation methods, to identify helminth parasites and evaluate their distribution across sex, age, and breed. The findings revealed a high overall prevalence of helminth infections, with nematodes being the most predominant group, followed by trematodes and cestode. Strongylus Spp. (54.1%) was the most frequently detected parasite, followed by Paramphistomum Spp (18.9%) and AscarisSpp (10.8%), while Moniezia Spp (5.4%) and TaeniaSpp(2.7%) were least prevalent. Infection patterns showed that older cattle had the highest parasite burden (61.6%). females were slightly more infected with Paramphistomum (11.1%), and crossbreds (5.41%) exhibited lower worm loads compared to purebreds (94.59%). Associated factors of helminth infection were found to include age and breed. The study concludes that helminthiasis remains a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in the study area. It recommends regular strategic deworming, routine faecal monitoring, rotational grazing, improved nutrition, and control of snail intermediate hosts in trematode-endemic regions. Effective implementation of these measures will enhance productivity, minimize economic losses, and improve food security.