Haemoparasitic infection and haematological parameters of cattle slaughtered at four abattoirs in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to investigate and provide information on the prevalence and haematological parameters of haemoparasites in cattle slaughtered in selected abattoirs in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 384 blood samples were randomly collected between January and July 2021 and screened for haemoparasites by examining Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. TRBC count, TWBC count, PCV, Hb concentration and DLC were determined using standard methods. An overall parasitaemia of 10.68% was recorded for Anaplasma centrale 14 (3.65%), Anaplasma marginale 11 (2.86%), Theileria mutans and Babesia bigemina with 8 (2.08%) each. Abattoir-specific prevalence indicated 13 (3.39%), 11 (2.86%), 9 (2.34%) and 8 (2.08%) for Unguwa-Uku, Kano central, Bachirawa and Tudun-Wada abattoirs respectively (p>0.05). Young cattle had a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of 11.58% compared to adults with 8.08%. Gender-related parasitaemia revealed that females had higher prevalence of 10.73% than males with 10.60% which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Breed-specific prevalence showed 9.24%, 11.54% and 16.67% for White Fulani, Red Bororo and Sokoto Gudali respectively, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Season-related parasitaemia showed that dry season had higher prevalence of 13.54% compared to rainy season with 7.81% which was statistically significant (p<0.05). All haematological parameters were within the recognized reference intervals for cattle. Significant decrease in mean values of PCV, TRBC and slight increase in TWBC was recorded. Routine treatment of animals and regular vector control to reduce the prevalence of haemoparasites in the study area is highly recommended.