Articles

Health Impact of Co-Infestation with Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites in Cattle in Bangangté Subdivision, West Cameroon

/in /by

There is growing interest in the scientific community about co-infestations and the determinism of their synergistic action against their hosts, in a prospect of improving animal survival rates and production. A big number of parasitic associations have been tested, most of which include parasites belonging to radically different systematic groups. This study measures the impact of gastro-intestinal parasitic associations in bovines on two health parameters: the PCV and the body condition score.  To this end, we conducted a survey in the district of Bangangte from May to July 2022. Six (06) cattle farms (Bos taurus) were selected for a total of 300 animals. Blood, Fecal matter collection and careful visual observation for Body score condition recording took place on each animal part of the study. Lab analysis of fecal matters revealed eggs of 11 parasitic helminths species and their respective prevalences was calculated. The species whose eggs were discovered are: Haemonchus contortus (from 44,67 % of animals), Fasciola gigantica (38,33%), Trichostrongylus axei (13,33%), Nematodirus battus (8,33%), Ostertagia ostertagi (7,67 %), Cooperia spp. (6,00%), Strongyloïdes papillosus (4,00%), Paramphistomum cervi (3,67%), Moniezia benedeni (1,33%), Toxocara vitulorum (0,67 %) and Trichuris spp (0,33%). We found that 70,6% of animals was infested with at least one parasite, while 42% presented at least two parasites. The combinations of parasites having the most negative effect on the hematocrit level were composed of: O. ostertagi, Cooperia spp and Strongyloides papillosus. The one reducing the body condition score the most was the association of Ostertagia ostertagi and Strongyloides papillosus. More studies in a controlled environment, with artificial infestations, are required to confirm the adverse effects of parasitic associations delighted in this study.

Relationship between Body Condition and Colostrum Production in Crossbred Friesian Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Case Study at KUD Anjasmoro Dairy Farm

/in /by

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the body condition of crossbred Friesian Holstein (PFH) dairy cattle and colostrum production, focusing on Body Condition Score (BCS) and vital statistics such as chest circumference, body length, and height. The research was conducted at the KUD Anjasmoro dairy farm in the Wonosalam District of Jombang from November 2022 to April 2023. A case study method was used by observing 42 PFH cows during lactation periods 1 to 5. The results show that BCS and vital statistics have a strong relationship with colostrum production. The analysis indicates that colostrum production increases with increasing BCS and vital statistics. Although the relationship between body length and colostrum production is not significant, body height has a significant influence on colostrum production. In conclusion, proper nutrition and care management can increase colostrum production in dairy cows, which will positively impact overall dairy farm productivity.