Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the infectivity rate of gastrointestinal helminths in private cattle farms in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State Nigeria. A total of 120 feacal samples were collected from six (6) different cattle farms in six (6) different wards namely: Akate ward, Asibiti ward, Suntai ward, Fada ward, Mararaba ward and Gyatta Aure ward. The samples collected were examined using simple floatation method for the presence of helminths eggs/ova. Out of 120 feacal samples examined 87(72.5%) were infected, 33(27.5%) were not infected. The highest infectivity rate of 16(80%) were found in Akate farm, and the least infectivity rate of 13(65%) were found in Suntai farm. The results showed no significant difference p > 0.05 between the rate of infection and farm locations. The highest rate of infection of 53(86.89%) were found in female cattle, while male cattle had 34(57.63%) rates of infection. Male cattle had the highest rateof infection of Hookworm species with 17(50%), while female cattle had the highest rate of infection of Fasciola gigantic species with 22(41.51%). The results showed no significant difference p > 0.05 between the rate of infection and sex of the cattle. The highest rate of infection of 19(76%) were found in cattle with age group 11 – 15 years, but the least rate of infection of 40(70.18%) were found in cattle age group 6 – 10 years. The results showed that there is significant difference p > 0.05 between the rate of infection and age of the cattle. It can be concluded that the high infectivity rate of these parasites could be attributed to the number of larvae and eggs in the environment and grazing habits of these animals in which they may ingest either the cyst or ova of these parasites.