Gastrointestinal parasites of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus, 1758) in Nagarjun turkey farm, Kathmandu, Nepal
Date
2023
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites can affect poultry productivity by compromising its
health. The study was conducted from December to June to determine the prevalence
of gastrointestinal parasites in turkey in the Nagarjun turkey farm, Kathmandu, Nepal.
A total of 200 fecal samples, male turkeys (100) and female turkeys (100) were
collected and preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. These samples were
examined microscopically by direct wet mount method and concentration methods
viz. flotation technique and sedimentation technique, in the laboratory of Central
Department of Zoology for detection of GI parasites. A total of 73.5% of turkeys
were infected with one or more GI parasites. Six different parasitic genera were
identified in turkey. Among the nematodes, Ascaridia sp. (26%), Capillaria sp.
(17.5%) and Heterakis sp. (16.5%) were recorded. The cestodes were Hymenolepis
sp. (10%) and Raillietina sp. (6.5%), while only Eimeria sp. (22.5%) was recorded as
protozoa. The study revealed that female turkey (80%) had higher parasitic infection
compared to male (67%). Statistically, the difference in sex-wise prevalence of GI
parasite in turkey was found to be significant (χ2=4.338; P>0.05). Finding of this
study shows that the prevalence of GI parasites of turkey was the highest during
summer season (78%) and lowest in winter season (69%) with no statistical
significant difference in between summer and winter season (χ2= 2.079; P>0.05).
Single mode of infection was high revealing that maximum number of turkey was
infected with single parasites with no significant differences in the prevalence of
single and mixed infection (χ2= 0.250; P>0.05). Common parasites were detected
from male and female turkeys because of their similar climate, food resources and
environment. No any activities on the health care of turkeys regarding the GI parasites
were found. Therefore, increasing awareness of regular anti-parasitic treatments for
turkeys as well as other preventative and control measures is crucial.
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Keywords
Turkey, Gastrointestinal parasites, Prevalence