A study of the prevalence of coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) in broiler and grand –parent and parent chicken farms in Ghot sultan poultry and dairy project

Abstract

Industrial poultry is one of the fastest growing  and an important source of protein(egg and meat)to man.Coccidiosis, caused by protozoa parasites of the genus Eimeria, recognized as most common and economic problem worldwide.Study was conducted to determine the prevalence of coccidian(Eimeria spp.)in broiler and grand-parent and parent chicken farms in Ghout sultan poultry and dairy  project.Data collcted were obtained by linkage to veterinary laboratory and statistics office for the period1987-2003.Data collected were analysis using SPSS and Chi- square test. P–values less than 0.05(p<0.05)was considered significant.The study revealed that the prevalence rate of coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) were recorded 68.6%(288/420)in the broiler chicken farms as compare with grand-parent and parent farms 34.5%(145/420).A marked monthly, the highest prevalence of coccdiosis was during December (81.1%)for the  broiler farms, while the lowest rate in June(48.1%).On the other hand,the highest  rate of coccdiosis was recorded in January and July(48.4%),and lowest  rate in  the February(13.9%)for the grand-parent and parent chicken farms Seasonally, the highest prevalent of coccidiosis was showed during winter season(30.21%),and the lowest rate was recorded in the summer(18.40%)for broiler chicken farms .In the grand-parent and parent chicken farms, The highest prevalence was noticed during summer season (27.59%),while the lowest rate was recorded during winter season (22.76%).The highest infection rate  were observed  in farm 6(8.3%),and the lowest rate in farm4(4.8%) for broiler chickenfarm.Where the  grand-parent and parent chicken farms, the highest rate was recorded in farm15(4.8%),where  the lowest  rate in farm20(1.4%).The results indicated,the higher infection of disease(15.5%)in 2002and 2003compared to other years,and the lowest rate in 1987(2.9%).The current study gave the proof of the endemicity of coccidiosis in this rearing system, and the deep litter system of management remains an important factor in the occurrence of the disease.For instance,suitable strategies need to be designed in order  to reduce the impact of coccidiosis.In addition, further studies are needed to be conducted to identification of coccidian species for the determine of suitable prevalent and control method.