Helminth infection of layer and dual-purpose chickens kept under small scale intensive production system, Ethiopia

Abstract

Losses due to reduced productivity caused by helminthiasis are economically important to the poultry industry. There are a few research reports in the prevalence of helminth-parasites in the different poultry production systems. A cross sectional study was conducted with the aim of estimating the prevalence of helminth infections in exotic layer and dual-purpose chickens, kept under small scale intensive farms of selected towns, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa (Highlands) and Debre Zeit, Haramaya, Hawassa and Kombolcha (Midlands) climatic zones. Towns and farms were purposively identified while chickens from each farm were randomly selected for fecal sample collection and necropsy examination. A total of 1009 fresh fecal samples and thirty-three chickens were collected from chickens of different breeds. Helminth egg and adult parasite identification was processed through coproscopic and necropsy examination methods, respectively. The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 66(%). A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of helminthiasis among study sites (P<0.01) and between chicken breeds (P<0.02). Helminthiasis was relatively higher in Addis Ababa (72%), Debre Zeit (71%) and Haramaya (67%) compared to Hawassa (56%) and Kombolcha (34%). Helminth infection in Dominant Sussex was higher, 90(%), followed by White Leghorn chicken 80(%), Bovans 67(%), Koekock 58(%), Dominant Red Barred 57(%), Lohman Brown 42(%), Fayoumi 40(%) and Lohman Dual 33(%). However, the prevalence did not vary (P>0.05) among age groups. Three species of nematodes as Ascaridia galli (52%), Heterakis gallinarum (57%) and Capillaria species (1%) and one species of cestode: Raillietina species (3%) were identified. Regular check up for helminth infection and application of appropriate prevention and control measures are important.

Key words: Chicken; Exotic; Intensive; Helminth-infection; Small-scale