Investigation on certain aspects of coccidiosis of goats

Abstract

Examination of 786 faecal samples collected from goats of Kerala Agricultural University Goat Farm, Government Goat Farm, Kommeri and those brought to the Veterinary hospitals of Kerala Agricultural University revealed that the species of Eimeria had an overall prevalence of 63.23 per cent. Eight species of Eimeria could be encountered either as pure or mixed infection. The species recorded were E. arloingi. E. Christenseni. E. alijevi. E. Jolchilevi. E. ninakohlyakimovae. E. apsheronica, E. kocharli and E. caprina. The more common species were E. arloingi and E. christenseni. The occurrence of E. Caprina in goats in India is reported for the first time. Circumscribed greyish – white areas slightly raised above the mucous surface and clearly visible from the serosa were seen in the intestine of kids died of coccidiosis. These areas were found to be groups of hypertrophic villi and hyperplastic glandular epithelium containing gametocytic stages of Eimeria. Many villi were enlarged due to the presence of schizonts in the lacteals. Schizonts were also observed rarely in the submucosa. Small schizonts and gametocytic stages were seen in the epithelium of the villi and glands. The endogenous stages were present throughout the small intestine. The results of haematological studies of ten kids suffering from natural coccidiosis revealed a lesser value for haemoglobin content and erythrocyte count as compared to the normal values for goats. Packed cell volume, erythrocyte, leukocyte and differential counts did not show any significant difference from the normal values for goates. Amprolsol at the rate of 100 mg per kg body weight was found to be the most suitable drug for treatment of natural coccidiosis in goats giving an efficacy of 100 per cent. Sulmet at the rate of 30 ml per 23 kg body weight had an efficacy of 87.5 per cent while, Coxysol – AK at the rate of 40 mg per kg body weight and metronidazole at the rate of 20 mg per kg body weight were found unsatisfactory in the treatment of coccidiosis in goats.