Study on gastrointestinal parasitic infections of Raeini goats

Raeini breed is the most productive Cashmere goat in Iran. Helminthes infections cause major economic losses globally to the livestock industries and farming communities. The objective of this study was to determine the seasonal prevalence and intensity of Eimeria and gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infections in Raeini goats in Iran. A total of 438 faecal samples were randomly taken from clinically healthy goats in Raeini Goats Research Center of Iran. Faecal samples were collected from each goat once and eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and faecal oocysts counts (OPG) were estimated using the modified McMaster technique. Oocysts were found in 391 (89.27%) goats. Five species of Eimeria including, E. arloingi, E. parva, E. ninakohlyakimovae, E. christenseni, E. faorei and one Eimeria spp were identified in faecal samples. E. arloingi (92.07%) predominated in all categories and was followed by E. parva, E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. christenseni. Trichuris spp. egg was the only nematode egg which was found in 196 (44.75%) faecal samples. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes infections during autumn and winter were significantly higher than summer (P<0.05). The association between the prevalence of Eimeria oocysts and gastrointestinal nematode infection and the age or sex categories was not significant (P>0.05).