Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep and Goats Reared by Nomads of Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats domesticated by nomads of Jammu region of J&K. A total of 283 faecal samples were collected and processed by centrifugal fecal flotation technique using 33% ZnSO₄ flotation solution to ensure that the flotation is effective. 194 samples were found positive for different gastrointestinal nematodes. The study showed the prevalence rate of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats to be 65.04 % and 70.55% respectively. Haemonchus was found to be predominant in faecal samples of both sheep and goats. The young ones and females of both species showed the higher parasitic burden compared to adults and males respectively. Based on the findings of present study it is clear that sheep and goats of Jammu region reared by nomads are heavily infected with a variety of nematode parasites.