Parasitic Impediments of Ostriches (Struthio camelus Linnaeus 1758) Farming at Gangoliya Vdc-1, Rupandehi

Abstract

Parasitic impediments of Ostrich farming in Gangoliya-1 Rupandehi was investigated by random faecal sampling and inspecting management practices in the farm. A total of 92 fresh pooled samples from four subdivided farms of Ostrich Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (The only one Ostrich farm of Nepal) were collected in a wide mouth sterile vial with 2.5% potassium dichromate. Collected samples were subjected to sedimentation and floatation processes followed by Lugol’s Iodine mount and Saline mount. Management systems of the farm were inspected through Questionnaire survey and Observational study. Out of 92 faecal samples examined 80 samples were positive contributing 86.96% as prevalence rate of endoparasites. Ostriches belonging to those four subdivided farms were found to harbour a variety of Protozoan parasites such as Entamoeba (57.6%), Eimeria (7.6%), Balantidium (5.43%), Isospora (3.26%) and Histomonas (1.09%) and Helminths parasites such as unidentified Cestode (4.35%), Nematodes such as Ascaridia (43.48%), Serratospiculum like (36.96%), Libyostrongylus (14.13%) and Codiostomum (6.52%). Most interestingly three species of ectoparasites were isolated during faecal examination. These includes Goniocotes (1.09%), Gabucinia (2.17%) and Dermoglyphus (1.09%). The results reveals a commercial production of Ostriches by 100% with the farm engaged in production of other livestock species (Emus). Similarly, all the sub-divided farms were provided with premix based compounded foods which includes Grass (Lucerne or clover) (50%), Wheat (12%), Maize (18%), Soyameal (17%), Vitamins and minerals (1%) and Others (2%). High prevalence of endoparasites could be due to lack of antihelminthic medication and faulty management practices. Since these parasitic infections may lead to poor performance and efficacy in laying and weight gain in Ostriches, effective deworming program and management strategy should be conducted in order to upgrade the health status of Ostriches and hence to maximize the benefits from them.