1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Ruminants such as cattle, goat and sheep represent an important source of animal protein in many countries of the world, supplying a good percentage of the daily meat and dairy products in cities and villages. Apart from being the source of animal protein, their waste is also very important in agriculture (Nwosu et al., 2007). In many parts of the world, cattle production is a profitable enterprise because of the high demand for dietary animal protein (Anaeto et al., 2009). Cattle are greatly infected with gastrointestinal helminth (Anaeto, 2009). These parasites are very ubiquitous and have also remained the major constraint, hindering the efficiency of rearing cattle and goats successfully (Khin, 2007; Siddiki et al., 2009). The negative impact of helminth infections on livestock productivity in tropical countries has long been established.
Helminthes cause a wide range of health problems to both man and animals (Colley et al., 2001). Helminthiasis, in large part is caused by members of the phyla nematode and platyhelminthes (Kenney and Harnett, 2001). Species belonging to both phyla occupy numerous niches within their mammalian hosts, ranging from intestinal lumen to intravascular and even intracellular sites (Littlewood and Bray, 2001).
The parasitic infections of ruminants are mostly caused by nematodes (such as Ostertagia spp., Capillaria spp.,Trichuris spp., Strongyliodes spp.), cestodes (such as Moniezia spp Taenia spp.) and Trematodes (such as Dicrocoelium spp., Fasciola gigantica, Amphistomes), (Zahid et al., 2005).Ruminants, infected by gastrointestinal helminth parasites cause loss to farmers through; low milk production, low fertility, reduced work capacity, involuntary culling, treatment cost, mortality and reduction in the market value of infected animal (Regassa et al., 2006).
Gastrointestinal helminths are a significant concern in livestock management due to their detrimental effects on animal health and productivity. In cattle, these parasitic infections can lead to substantial economic losses through decreased weight gain, reduced milk production, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle varies globally, influenced by factors such as climate, management practices, and the presence of intermediate hosts.
In Nigeria, as in many tropical regions, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in cattle is influenced by factors such as climate, management practices, and the density of intermediate hosts. Abattoirs serve as critical points for monitoring these infections, providing insights into their prevalence and distribution among slaughtered animals. Understanding the epidemiology of these parasites in abattoir settings is crucial for implementing effective control measures and improving animal health management practices. Livestock, particularly cattle, are susceptible to gastrointestinal helminth infections worldwide. These parasites, including nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes, pose significant health and economic concerns in agricultural settings. Infections can lead to reduced productivity, compromised welfare, and economic losses due to treatment costs and decreased market value of affected animals. Information is lacking about the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among cattle in Benin City. Against this background, the study is conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among cattle in Benin City.
1.2 Statement of Problems
The presence of gastrointestinal helminths among slaughtered cattle in abattoirs presents several significant challenges and concerns:
- Economic Impact: Helminth infections contribute to economic losses through reduced meat and milk production, decreased carcass quality, and treatment costs.
- Animal Welfare: Infected cattle may experience discomfort, weight loss, anemia, and even mortality in severe cases, impacting their welfare.
- Public Health Risk: Some helminth species can pose zoonotic risks, potentially affecting public health through contamination of meat products or direct transmission.
- Management and Control: Effective control strategies require accurate knowledge of helminth prevalence, species diversity, and seasonal variations, which can vary widely in different geographical regions and abattoir settings.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the gastrointestinal helminth presence among slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth among slaughtered cattle in Benin City abattoirs;
- To identify the specific species of gastrointestinal helminths present in the cattle population; and
- To determine the relationship between demographic characters and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections.
1.4 Significance of Study
The significance of this research on Gastrointestinal Helminth Presence Among Slaughtered Cattle in Benin City Abattoirs, is stated as follows:
- Facilitates targeted de-worming programs to enhance cattle health and productivity.
- Improves meat safety and quality assurance in abattoirs through informed hygiene protocols.
- Enables development of effective treatment strategies by veterinarians to combat helminth infections.
- Raises awareness of potential zoonotic risks, contributing to public health protection.
- Enhances consumer confidence in locally sourced meat products, supporting agricultural economies.
Finally, the outcome of this research will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Gastrointestinal Helminth Presence Among Slaughtered Cattle in Benin City Abattoirs.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Gastrointestinal Helminths:
It is a parasitic worms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes.
Prevalence:
The proportion of a population found to have a condition, such as gastrointestinal helminth infections, at a specific point in time or over a designated period.
Abattoirs:
It is the facilities where animals are slaughtered for meat processing and distribution.
Zoonotic:
It refers to diseases or infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
De-worming:
It is the process of administering medications to eliminate parasitic worms from the body of animals.
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