PREVALENCE OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN BOVINE POPULATION IN DIFFERENT ZONES OF RAWALPINDI DISTRICT OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are responsible for heavy economic and production losses in bovines. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths of bovine in different zones of Rawalpindi district. Study area was divided into four different zones. Feacal samples (n=670) were collected and examined through coprological examination techniques. Out of examined samples, 158 were found to be positive for the GI helminths. The overall prevalence of GI helminths recorded was 23.58 %. In cattle the prevalence was 25.87 % whereas, in buffaloes it was 20.83 %. The prevalence percentages of nematodes, trematodes and cestodes was 17.46, 4.78 and 1.34%, respectively. Maximum prevalence was observed during summer and was the highest in the month of June. Prevalence was higher in adult and females as compared to young and males. It was concluded that specie, age and season are important factors which influence the prevalence of GI helminths in bovine.