Epidemiology of Common Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Goats reared in Semi-Arid Region of India

A total of 1419 faecal samples of goats collected and examined for gastrointestinal parasitic infestations for a period of 9 months (August 2015 to April 2016) revealed overall prevalence of 86.11 percent. The common parasitic infections prevalent were coccidian (71.45%), strongyle (28.40%), Moniezia spp. (18.74%) and Strongyloides spp. (0.70%). Highest prevalence of coccidia (81.07%) was observed in Jamunapari goats, while highest strongyle prevalence (30.64%) was observed in Barbari goats. Jakhrana goats showed highest prevalence rate of Moniezia spp. infection. Age-wise, prevalence of coccidian oocysts was highest in >6–12M age group while higher prevalence of strongyles was observed in > 6M age. Moniezia spp. infection, however, was more prevalent in goats of 2–6M age group. Month-wise, prevalence was higher in during September and October. The intensity of coccidian infection in terms of overall least squares means of coccidian oocysts count per gram of faeces (LFOC) was 4.673±.007, while the corresponding least squares means (Transformed value) of eggs per gram of faeces (LFEC) of strongyles and Moniezia spp. were 4.628±.002, 4.625±.003, respectively. Factors like breed, age of animal and collection month significantly influenced (P<0.01) the total coccidian and strongyle intensity (faecal oocysts/eggs count). Eimeria infection involved was of mixed nature, while nematode infections showed preponderance of Haemonchus spp. The most common Eimeria spp. recorded were E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae.