Trichostrongylosis in cattle from south Marmara Region of Turkey: Assessment of various factors related to faecal egg counts

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine faecal egg density in trichostrongyle infections in relation to animal age, animal breed, management system and farm type in cattle in South Marmara region of Turkey. Rectal faecal samples were collected from 513 cattle and coprological examination were conducted by a modified McMaster technique to determine faecal egg counts (FEC) per gram of faeces. Overall egg density was 81.4 +/- 6.8 EPG and it remained generally low. The mean faecal egg counts for adults was higher than those for the youngs. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the age groups for faecal egg counts. Although mean FEC were higher in Turkish Grey than in Holstein and Karacabey Bown, no statistically significant difference could be determined among the animal breeds. Management system was the factor that influenced number of trichostrongyle eggs and animals under semi-extensive system had more egg counts than those kept under intensive management system. Animals in the governmental farm have been found less affected with significant difference than their counterparts at small scale private farms.