Identificación y prevalencia de parásitos gastrointestinales en caprinos en la parroquia Garza Real del cantón Zapotillo, provincia de Loja.

Abstract

Livestock activity in the canton Zapotillo is mostly represented by goat breeding, extensively exploited but with a poor health management. The aim of the research was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in goat herds of Garza Real parish. Seven farms were selected; 77 stool and blood samples were obtained to analyze gastrointestinal parasites by means of qualitative, quantitative and culture tests. Packed cell volume was estimated and compared with FAMACHA® card test on ocular mucosa. A 90.9% prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was obtained; eggs from Order Strongylida were the most representative (80.5%); more than 40% of the evaluated animals presented a high degree of infection as was established by McMaster technique (47,6%). The usefulness of FAMACHA® technique in estimating the degree of anemia was likewise demonstrated. Larvae of genera Haemonchus spp and Trichostrongylus spp were the most abundant (42% and 38%, respectively) in stool cultures. It is concluded that early diagnosis and opportune application of sanitary measures should contribute significantly to improving the production of these herds.