ASSESSMENT OF ENDOPARASITES AND ECTOPARASITES IN SMALL RUMINANTS IN ODO-ERAN, OBANTOKO, OGUN STATE

Abstract

The study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) and ectoparasites (EPs) in small ruminants in Odo-Eran, Obantoko, Ogun State’. The objective of the study is to characterize GIPs as well as EPs present to determine level of prevalence of parasites and evaluate the risk factors of insect pest and parasite in sheep and goat using an experimental research approach. A cross sectional study using random sampling technique was used to select thirty (30) sheep and goats from five different farms. 2.5% potassium dichromate was used to preserve the parasite morphology and halt development of eggs and larva after collection. The samples were taken to the laboratory and were examined utilizing the floatation and sedimentation techniques. The statistical analysis of the collected data was done using SPSS 21. The findings of the study revealed that GIP prevalence was influenced by agro-economic zones in which intensive systems show a GIP prevalence of 75% and an EP prevalence of 60%, semi-intensive systems have a higher GIP prevalence of 83% and an EP prevalence of 64% while extensive systems exhibit the highest prevalence rates with 90% for GIPs and 70% for EPs. The research revealed that various species of parasites were present in the study population, with higher prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites compared to ectoparasites. Based on the findings of this study, the research recommends collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and the use of integrated parasite control measures, such as rotational grazing and use of anthelmintic should be promoted among farmers.