Vol. 7, Issue 8 (2018)

Author(s):
Dalbin Benedict P, Radhika R, Asha Rajagopal and Devada K

Abstract:
Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are important parasites which cause parasitic gastroenteritis in ruminants. Of the parasites, infections with strongyles are very common which have varied pathological significance and hence has varying economic impact. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of strongylosis in cattle of Thrissur district, Kerala. A total of 300 faecal samples were collected and subjected to coproscopy and coproculture to determine the occurrence of strongyles as well as concurrent gastrointestinal parasites in cattle. Faecal samples were examined by direct smear method, floatation and sedimentation methods. Among the 300 samples examined, an overall occurrence of 34 per cent was obtained for strongyle infection. The overall percentages of other GIP like amphistomes and coccidia were 3.6 and 1.6 per cent respectively. The faecal samples were also subjected for coproculture technique for detection as well as species identification of strongyle larvae. The species of strongyle larvae identified on coproculture were Haemonchus spp. (13.66%), Mecistocirrus spp. (8%), Trichostrongylus spp. (3.33%), Bunostomum spp. (2%) and Cooperia spp. (1.33%). The study indicated that, even though strongyle infections are subclinical in nature, they pose a major impact on the health and productivity of the animals thus affecting the economics of the farming community. Programmes to minimize and control strongylosis in cattle warrants the proper identification of strongyles and knowledge of its epidemiology.