Prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in buffaloes and cattle from Ravi River region, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was accomplished to determine the prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in cattle and buffaloes of Ravi River region, Lahore from October, 2012 to September, 2013. A total of 500 fecal samples (cattle n=250; buffaloes n=250) were randomly collected and coccidial oocysts were identified using Direct Smear Method and Salt Floatation Techniques. Data regarding each sampled animal was entered in a data capture form. The Eimeria spp. were identified on the basis of variation in shape, size, texture, color of oocyst wall, polar cap and presence or absence of micropyle of oocysts using taxonomic key. Overall prevalence of coccidiosis in cattle and buffaloes was recorded as 57.2% and 58.8%, respectively. Seven Eimeria species identified from cattle were E. zuernii (56.64%), E. bovis (41.25%), E. ellipsoidalis (33.56%), E. canadensis (26.57%), E. cylindrical (21.67%), E. alabamensis (17.48%), and E. subspherica (10.45%). On the other hand, common Eimeria spp. found in buffaloes were E. bovis (52.38%), E. zurnii (46.93%), E. canadensis (31.29%), E. ellipsoidalis (23.12%), E. alabamensis (15.64%) and E. cylindrical (11.56%). Coccidial infection was significantly higher (P LT 0.05) in females compared to males in both species. Prevalence of Emeria was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in LT 6 m of age cohorts (cattle, 66.66%; buffaloes, 70.31%) as compared to ≥1 year animals (cattle, 44.87%; buffaloes, 48.91%). Peak prevalence was recorded in August. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence was observed in stall feeding confined animals compared to animals with grazing having outdoor access. Prevalence had significantly increased (P < 0.05) in animals with poor and weak body condition than healthy. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence was observed in diarrheic animals compared to normal feces. It is concluded that coccidial infestation is severe in both species and bovine coccidiosis is widely distributed in Ravi River region Lahore. It is suggested that an integrated strategies should be implemented for the effective prevention and control of coccidiosis in cattle and buffaloes in this region.