Comparative Studies of Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Cows and Goats Sold In Lokoja Area of Kogi State

An investigation of ectoparasites of some livestock sold in Felele, Old market (Karaworo area), and International (Sarki Noma) Markets, of Lokoja, Kogi Statei, Nigeria was conducted in March 2019. Fifteen (15) cows and fifteen (15) goats were examined. Visual screening, handpicking, use of forceps and brushing methods were employed in the ectoparasites collection. Out of 15 cows examined a total of 181 ectoparasites were isolated with tick having the highest prevalence of 116 (64.1%) followed by lice 48(26.5%) and the least number is mite with 17(9.4%) prevalence rate. Also out of 15 goats examined, a total of 161 ectoparasites were isolated with tick having the highest prevalence of 95(57.1%), followed by lice 46(28.6%) and the least is mite with 23(14.3%). This shows that the prevalence of ectoparasite on cow is more than that of goat. Cows were infected with a total of 181 ectoparasites while goats were infected with a total of 161 ectoparasites. The prevalence of cow and goat for tick is 116(64.1%) and 92(57.1%) respectively, for lice is 48(26.5%) and 46(28.6%) respectively and for mite is 17(9.4%) and 23(14.3%) respectively. From the comparism so far, results shows that ectoparasites are more prevalent in cows than goats.