Assessment of roundworm species prevalence in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at Lafia Abattoir, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasites pose a great constraint to livestock production and cause high incidence of mortality and low production in livestock. This study was designed to identify the roundworm species infections in cattle, sheep and goats that were slaughtered at Lafia abattoir during the rainy season (April to June, 2016). The aim was to sensitize livestock stakeholders to strategize effective means of disrupting the life cycles of the roundworms in order to prevent their widespread within the herds. Faecal samples were collected from 22 cattle, 25 sheep and 23 goats and were examined by simple floatation method and microscopy for the presence of roundworms. Results showed that out of a total of 70 animals examined, 36 representing 51.4% of the animals were infected with various species of roundworms. Those found in the animals examined included Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Ascaris suum and Neoascaris vitulorum. It was observed that both sexes of all the animal breeds examined were infected, though males were more susceptible than the females. Animals in all the age categories were infected and those on extensive management system were more infected than those in semi-intensive. Since different species of roundworms were found in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at Lafia abattoir, it indicated that there was probably high prevalent rate of roundworms in the area. More so, mixed species infection of Ascaris suum and Neoascaris vitulorum were recorded in goats, suggesting severe burden that may hinder optimum physiological performance. It could be necessary therefore to advise that careful disposal of the gastrointestinal contents, regular deworming, implementation of strict biosecurity measures and intensive animal production system should be adopted in the study area. This may disrupt the life cycles of the roundworm species thus, preventing parasitic infections from spreading to other animals in the study area.