Gastrointestinal helminta parasites of cattle and carabao in Bukidnon, Philippines
2008
Anon.
One of the major constraints to efficient animal production is the presence of heavy parasitic disease. They cause weight loss, low weight gain, poor breeding efficiency, low work capacity and mortalities, which all spell heavy losses. Although there are government programs in Bukidnon [Philippines] for cattle and carabao, these are focused on genetic quality enhancement. Despite this, farmer's efforts to maximize production using improved breeds still lead to losses due to unchecked parasitic conditions. To determine the magnitude of parasitic problems in the province, Pique et al. (DA-RFU 10) [Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 10-Northern Mindanao] conducted fecal analysis in Bukidnon from Jan 2005 to Dec 2006. The study identified the gastrointestinal species in cattle and carabaos, determined their prevalence among the different age group, mapped the areas with greatest gastro-intestinal parasite (GIP) concentration and recommended measures to address the problem. Two fecal collections were done in each municipality and the animals were segregated by age group. These groupings consisted of Group 1 (0-5 months), Group 2 (9-16 months) and Group 3 (17 months and older). ANOVA for Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were utilized to analyze the data. Based on the morphology of the eggs, the following GIP were found in cattle and carabaos in the province: Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola spp., Amphistome and Strongyle spp. Fecal culture yielded the following strongyle genera: Mesistocirrus spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Bonustomum spp. Cooperia spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. Strongyle spp. showed higher prevalence in Group 1 while Fasciola and Amphistome spp. were higher in Group 3. Young and old cattle were infected with Toxocara vitulorum. Those in Manalo Fortich, Quezon, Valencia and Don Carlos showed higher prevalence of this parasite. On the other hand, carabaos in Quezon, Cabangsalan, Malaybalay and Valencia had the highest prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum. Regular deworming with broad spectrum anthelmintic for the young and pregnant females before calving, feed supplementation, proper sanitation and avoidance of swampy areas were recommended to address these GIP problems in Bukidnon. These recommendations, however, will have no value if the respective LGUs will be unsupportive. Thus, each LGU is encouraged to conduct its own information dissemination drive on this.
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