Investigation of the Prevalence of Digestive System Parasites in Chickens in the Kirikkale Region

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prevalence of digestive system parasites in free-range chickens in Kırıkkale region. Material-Method: One hundred (100) faecal samples were taken by visiting the poultry houses where domestic chicken breeding was carried out. Care was taken to ensure that the faecal samples were fresh and not in contact with soil. Each faecal sample was separately placed in plastic containers with lids and delivered to Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Routine and Epidemiology laboratory under appropriate conditions. The samples were analysed on the same day by native-lugol and Fülleborn flotation technique and the faecal samples which were positive for Eimeria oocyst were sporulated in potassium dichromate for species identification. Result: Sixty-three of the faecal samples (63%) were found to be infected with one or more parasite eggs/oocysts. Eggs/oocysts of one, two and three different parasite species were detected in 42.9%, 39.7% and 11.1% of the faecal samples, respectively. In this study; Eimeria spp. 13%, Ascaridia spp. 6%, Capillaria spp. 12%, Eimeria spp.+Trichostrongylus tenuis, 3%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. 3%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. 11%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Eimeria spp. 3%, Capillaria spp, 4%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 1%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Trichostrongylus spp, + Trichostrongylus tenuis, 1%, Capillaria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2%, Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2% and Trichostrongylus tenuis 1%. Eimeria spp. oocysts were morphologically identified as E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. mitis and E. maxima. Conclusion: As a result, it is thought that the parasite rate is high due to the fact that the sampled chickens are free-ranging in the natural environment, parasites are more common during the infective periods of parasites or parasite control and treatment are not performed regularly. In order to reduce the presence of parasite infections that cause yield losses, it is recommended that the animals should have access to clean feed and water sources and regular parasitic control and treatment should be carried out.