Comparative Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa in Cattle and Goats in Akure Metropolis

Protozoa and helminth parasites significantly impact livestock health, affecting both cattle and goats. This study, conducted from March to July 2015 in Akure Metropolis, examined 424 fecal samples to compare the prevalence of these parasites in cattle and goats. Among the 220 cattle samples, 43.64% tested positive for helminths and protozoa, while 49.51% of the 204 goat samples were positive. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in infection rates between cattle and goats (P>0.05). The helminths identified included Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Enterobius vermicularis, Haemonchus contortus, and Moniezia species, with Eimeria species being the sole protozoan detected. Trematode parasites had the highest prevalence in cattle (16.82%), whereas nematodes were most prevalent in goats (20.10%). Cestode prevalence was low in both species (7.73% in cattle and 5.88% in goats). Mixed infections were observed, with female goats showing a higher infection rate (51.28%) compared to males (45.65%), while male cattle had a higher prevalence (44.52%) than females (41.89%). The study concludes that gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa are more prevalent in goats than cattle in this region.