PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN CALVES IN AND AROUND DEBEREBRHAN TOWN

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2014 up to March 2015 to determine the Prevalence and to assess the risk factors of calf coccidiosis in and around Deberebrhan town. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 384 calves with less than 24 months of age and examined for the oocysts of coccidia. Detailed information of the age, sex, breed, management system, hygienic status and faecal consistency were taken in consideration. Centrifugal faecal floatation technique using salt solution was used to detect coccidian oocyst. The current study has revealed that Out of all 384 samples a total of 104 samples (27.1%) were positive for coccidiosis. Coccidian oocysts were detected in calves from birth up to 2 years of age but greater prevalence was observed in age categories less than 6 months of age. Statistically significant association (p<0.05) between prevalence of coccidiosis and age, breed faecal consistency, hygienic status and management system was observed in this study. With regard to sex, the prevalence in female calves (29.3%) was a bit higher than males (23.9%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) between the sexes. Sex of calves was not found as risk factor influnceing the preavalence of coccidiosis.This study shows that coccidiosis was prevalent in and around Deberebrhan which signifies coccidian infection has a great significance for the livestock producer. So, it needs awareness creation, a serious treatment, control and preventive programs. Key words: Debereberhan, Centrifugal faecal floatation, Coccidiosis, Oocyst, Prevalen