Occurrence of Endoparasites in Slaughtered Cattle at Amosun Commercial Abattoir, Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Endoparasites, including blood and gastrointestinal helminths, continue to pose a significant challenge to cattle productivity and sustainability worldwide, particularly in Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, and coinfection patterns of endoparasitic infections (haemoparasites Trypanosoma spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., and gastrointestinal helminths Strongyles and Trichuris spp.) in slaughtered cattle at the Amosun commercial abattoir in Akinyele, Ibadan, Nigeria, using conventional diagnostic techniques (wet mount preparation, stained thin and thick blood smears, buffy coat method, microscopy, flotation, and sedimentation). Of the 250 cattle, 87 (34.8 %) were infected with haemoparasites, and 113 (45.2 %) were infected with helminths. Among the blood parasites, Babesia spp. had the highest prevalence 52(20.8%), followed by Trypanosoma spp. 19(7.6%), and Anaplasma spp. 16(6.4%). The overall percentage of anaemic cattle infected with haemoparasites was 30(35.3%), and those infected with helminths was 9(8.0%). The overall co-infection rate was 41(16.4%), and 26 (63.4%) of these cattle were anaemic, and 9(6.3%) anaemic cattle were not infected with parasites. Notable anaemia (mean PCV = 21.5%) and poor body condition scores were associated with parasitic infections, particularly in co-infected cattle. Co-infections were observed across all breeds, with the highest rate in Red Bororo cattle. Helminth infections were dominated by Strongyles 104(41.6%), followed by Trichuris spp. 9(3.6%). Breed susceptibility varied, with White Fulani showing the highest  haemoparasite prevalence and Red Bororo showing the highest co-infection rate. Older cattle (>7 years) were more susceptible to Trypanosoma spp. (no significant difference), whereas younger cattle (1–2 years) showed higher Babesia spp. The prevalence was significantly different between the two groups. Seasonal variation revealed increased haemoparasite infections during the late dry season, which were marked by severe anaemia and poor body condition. These findings highlight the endemic nature of parasitic infections in cattle and emphasise the need for integrated parasite control strategies to improve animal health and abattoir productivity.