Gastro-intestinal parasites of native chickens (Gallus domesticus) in two climates of center of Iran- Isfahan

The Iranian poultry industry is developing and Isfahan province is the first or second producer of chicken meats and commercial eggs which rearing millions of native chickens simultaneously, the study aimed to investigate the abundances of gastro intestinal (GI) parasites of native chickens (Gallus domesticus) in two dominant climates of center of Iran-Isfahan for a year. Therefore 900 native chickens diffused in 60 rural households in a warm-dry climate and a cold-wet climate without any treatment. Stool samples collected at weeks of 8, 32 and 56 for EPG (Egg Per Gram) and OPG (Oocyste Per Gram) examination, finally a female and a male bird in each households were dissected and examined for GI parasites. The EPG and OPG values and prevalence rates increased with aging and wetness in both climate; the identified nematodes were Ascaridia galli 33%, Hetterakis gallinarum 18%, Acuaria spirailis 7.5%, Cappillaria anatis 7.25%, Cheilospirura hamulosa 3.75% and Trichostrongylus tenouous 3.5%. The diagnosed cestodes were Raillietina echinobutheridae 15.5%; R. tetragona 12%; R. cesticillus 10%; Choanotaenia infundibulum 8.5%; Cotugnia dignopora 7%; and Subulura brompti 3%. The detected eimeria were Eimeria maxima 38.5%; E. tenella 28%; E. necatrix 7% and E. acervulina 5.5% . In chi square test (p>0.05) the abundance of GI parasites in males was higher than females. It is concluded that GI parasites are a serious problem of native chickens and reduce the yields of productions and productivity, also would be a source of infection for other birds and need an appropriate nutrition, hygiene and medication.