Studies on Intestinal Parasitic Protozoa of Goats in Egypt

Abstract

Goats are economically important animals since it produce milk, meat and hides. Previous studies were superficial and not up to date on the prevalence of goat Coccidia. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Eimeria spp and Cryptosporidium spp among ten goat kids. These goats were examined every two weeks from birth until they reached one year old to study the monthly variation in the mean total monthly OPG and the mean monthly number of OPG of each Eimeria species. The present study includes identification of Eimeria and Cryptosporidium oocysts infecting apparently healthy and diarrhoeic goats and identification ofthe rumen ciliates from the goats.

Ten goats (Capra hircus) were examined twice a month for the presence of Eimeria spp and Cryptosporidium spp. during the period from January 2000 to December 2000. .

The identification of the mean total monthly OPG and the mean monthly number of OPG of each Eimeria spp. revealed that:

1- The mean total monthly oocysts per gram of Eimeria spp. (OPG) increased during the first three months of the age in comparison to the rest of the period of investigation.

2- The mean total monthly oocysts per gram of Eimeria spp. (OPG) were compared with the preceeding month during the period of investigation. It was increased significantly in February and November and decreased significantly in April.