Blood characteristics, microbial and gastrointestinal parasites of street pigeons (Columba Livia) in Owerri Imo State, N
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Animal Science - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the haematological and biochemical indices and the naturally occurring haemo and gastrointestinal microbes of 150 matured street pigeons in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The PCV, WBC, MCV, MCH and total bilirubin values of the female pigeons were significantly (p<0.05) different from the male counterpart. All the other haematological and serum biochemical parameters measured were similar (p>0.05) between the two group. Out of 150 street pigeons examined for prevalence of parasites, 70 (46.70%) of them were infected with gastro-intestinal parasites of which 30 (42.93%) were males and 40 (57.1%) were females. Four gastro-intestinal parasites were identified with Trichomonas sp. giving the highest prevalence rate (42%), followed by Eimeria sp. (28%), and whereas Coccidia sp. and Ascaridia sp. returned the least with each having the prevalence rate of (14%). Results of haemo -parasitological examination of thin blood smears revealed haematozoa of two genera: Haemoproteus sp. which was more common gave a prevalence rate of 40 (66%) for the male and 70 (87%) for the female pigeons. Plasmodium sp. with prevalence of 20 (33%) and 10 (12%) in male and female pigeons respectively. Fecal cultures recorded high growth of bacterial organisms, of which Proteus sp. returned 50 (83%) and Enterococcus sp. returned 10 (16%). In totality, 40% of the pigeons had bacterial infections. In conclusion, the prevalence of gastrointestinal and haemoparasites in street pigeons in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. However, these parasites did not cause any visible deleterious effects in the blood parameters of the pigeons examined.
Authors and Affiliations
M. N. Opara| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, I. P. Ogbuewu*| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, C. T. Iwuji| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, L. Njoku| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, E. K. Ihesie| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, I. F. Etuk| Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP601
- DOI -
- Views 744
- Downloads 113
Effect of “inhibin” from bovine testicular and follicular fluids on attainment of puberty in male rabbits
For this study, 15 young male rabbits of same breeds, with age range of 11-12 weeks old and weighing 1.0 ±0.2kg were used. These were randomly assigned to three treatments, each consisting of five rabbits per treatment....
Physicochemical analysis and microbial quality of raw cow's milk along with production system in Angolelanatera district, Amhara region, Ethiopia
This study was conducted to determine physicochemical analysis and microbial quality of raw cow’s milk along with the production system in the study area. Data was collected by conducting experimental activities and surv...
Evaluation of chemical composition of treated and untreated rice straw using urea
The study was carried out at Teaching and Research farm Adamawa State University Mubi, to evaluate the chemical composition of treated and untreated rice straw using urea. Rice straw as a crop residue is widely available...
Effect on survival and growth (weight and length) of Ambystoma m exicanum ( Shaw Y Nodder , 1798) of three probiotics ob
The effect of probiotic strains (Lactococcus lactis; Lactobacillus sp and Bacillus subtilis), isolated from the intestinal tract of Ambystoma mexicanum on survival and growth of this amphibian was evaluated. 120 larvae w...
Evaluation of egg quality traits among different breeds/strains of chicken locally available in Pakistan
Appreciated for their versatile nutritive value and functionalproperties, eggs are considered as an important item in human diet. Eggs areone of the most common foods available worldwide as they play an important rolei...