Parasitic problem is a major constraint of ruminant production and causes great economic
loss to dairy industry by retarded growth, low productivity and increased susceptibility of
animals to other infections. Gastrointestinal helminthes are prevalent in dairy animals in and
around district Kasur and have significant effect on the hematological parameters of the
infected animals (Hypothesis).
Samples were randomly collected from 200 apparently healthy animals (n = 100
cattle; n =100 buffalo). From each animal a hand full of fecal sample was collected directly
from the rectum in a disposable polythene sleeve. Proper dress was adopted during sample
collection. The samples were kept in refrigerator at 4oC for examination on same day or next
day. Each animal sample was identified, labeled and information about age, sex, body
condition, management, current disease, vaccination, deworming. (Performa attached) are
recorded. Samples were brought to Medicine Lab, CMS, UVAS, Lahore, for examination of
helminthes eggs in the fecal samples. For hematological examination samples were refered to
university diagnostic lab (UDL) UVAS, Lahore.
Out of 100 cattle 24 (24%) were found positive and out of 100 buffalo 37 (37%) were
found to be positive for gastrointestinal helminthes. It can be seen that prevalence was more
in buffalo as compared to cattle. The species wise prevalene for cattle was Toxocara 29.16 %,
Haemonchus 12.5%, Fasciola 4.1%, Strongyloids 12.5%, Trichostrongyloids 12.5%,
Ostertagia species 8.33 % and mixed infections were 8.33% and for buffaloes it was
Toxocara 35.13 % , Haemonchus 16.21%,, Fasciola 5.40%, Strongyloids 13.51% ,
Trichostrongyloids 16.21%, Ostertagia species 10.81% and mixed infections was 8.11%.
Female cattle and buffalo (31.72%) were more prone to infection than male animals
(14.28%). The age wise prevalence for less than 6 month, 6-12 month, 1-2 years, 2-3 years
Summary
47
and more than 3 years was 52.5%, 78.26%, 16%, 14.04% and 20% respectively. The
haemotological values for cattle and buffaloes infected with gastrointestinal helminth for
TEC (%), Hb (g/dl), MCV (fl), MCHC (g/dl), Lymphocyte (%), Monocyte (%), Eosinophil
(%) and Basophils( %) are 4.07±0.065, 7.010±0.052, 48.45 ± 0.20, 28.26 ± 0.074, 53.72 ±
0.112, 3.143 ± 0.117, 4.067 ± 0.021, 0.298 ± 0.031 and 5.09 ± 0.76, 8.012 ± 0.058, 50.56 ±
0.21, 30.71 ± 0.085, 55.82 ± 0.114, 4.167 ± 0.236, 5.076 ± 0.023, 0.301 ± 0.034 respectively.
Data regarding the prevalence and associated risk factors were analyzed using
Pearson’s chi-square test. The data regarding hematological study were analyzed by Students
T-test using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 20. P < 0.05 were
considered significant.