Assessment of Intestinal Parasites of Commercial Broilers in Five Selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out from April to July 2016 in selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State; Ikwerre, Emohua, Etche, Ahoada and Obio/Akpor. The aim was to assess the presence of intestinal parasites in commercial broiler birds. Three hundred (300) faecal samples were randomly collected and analyzed using salt saturation floatation technique; Out of 300 faecal samples examined, 214 (66.8%) samples were infected with Ascaridia galli 50(23.3%), Eimeria species 79(36.9%), Heterakis gallinarum 17(7.9%) and a mite. Mixed infection was observed in 68(31.8%) samples which were A. galli + Eimeria spp, A. galli + Eimeria spp + H. gallinarum and Eimeria spp + H. gallinarum. Parasite prevalence from each of the LGAs were 71.69%, 66.23%, 75%, 56% and 81.25% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the different LGAs (p < 0.05) but Obio/Akpo recorded slightly higher prevalence (81.25%) than other LGAs. Broiler age groups were categorized in weeks so as to ascertain the age group with more parasitic burden. The infection rate for 1-5 weeks old was 75%, 6-10 weeks 67.5%, 11-15 weeks 45% and 16-20 weeks was 65%. It was observed that broiler age group 1-5 weeks old recorded the highest parasitic burden (X² =7.240, p= 0.065). Well-constructed questionnaire was used to evaluate poultry farmers’ management practices, information extracted showed that most of the farms were having poor ventilation, overcrowding of birds, water spillage on the floor, poor hygienic practices and negligence by farmers to treat their birds at the right stage.