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Prevalence of coccidiosis in free-range fowls in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Abstract
Fifty faecal samples each were collected randomly from free range fowls of varied ages in five communities in Choba, Obio-Akpor, Local Government Area of Rivers State to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis in free range fowls. Samples were collected in sterile vials (between 6.00 and 7.00 a.m.) and analysed in the laboratory using the concentration (sedimentation) technique. Results obtained showed an overall prevalence (54.2%) of coccidiosis in the 1-6 weeks aged chicks (p<0.05) which
gradually declined as the age of the fowls increased with; 7-16 weeks (49%) and (45%) recorded in the (16+ weeks) fowls (p>0.05). On the community level; the prevalence of the infection showed relatively low; (4,0%), Okocha; (12%), Rumuchakara; (11.2%) Owhipa; (8%), Ndidor and (8%) for the University of Port Harcourt Community. Build-up of immunity in older fowls was attributable to exposure to repeated infections under natural conditions; thus the observed age-related decline in prevalence. The percentage of infected fowls compared to the uninfected was significantly different (p<0.05). Inhibition of development of
coccidian oocysts in the host was attributes to contents of the plant materials the free range fowls forage on. The study suggests that the prevalence of the coccidiosis in free range fowls could be reduced by improved hygiene and proper farm management. However, there is need to identify plants with anti-coccidial properties in order to reduce the burden of coccidiosis control on the poultry farmer.
gradually declined as the age of the fowls increased with; 7-16 weeks (49%) and (45%) recorded in the (16+ weeks) fowls (p>0.05). On the community level; the prevalence of the infection showed relatively low; (4,0%), Okocha; (12%), Rumuchakara; (11.2%) Owhipa; (8%), Ndidor and (8%) for the University of Port Harcourt Community. Build-up of immunity in older fowls was attributable to exposure to repeated infections under natural conditions; thus the observed age-related decline in prevalence. The percentage of infected fowls compared to the uninfected was significantly different (p<0.05). Inhibition of development of
coccidian oocysts in the host was attributes to contents of the plant materials the free range fowls forage on. The study suggests that the prevalence of the coccidiosis in free range fowls could be reduced by improved hygiene and proper farm management. However, there is need to identify plants with anti-coccidial properties in order to reduce the burden of coccidiosis control on the poultry farmer.
