Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle kept under pastoral management system in selected districts of Borana zone, Ethiopia

The present study was conducted in three districts (Arero, Moyale and Yabello) of Borana zone, from October 2016 to June 2018, with the aim to determine the prevalence, identify the species and detect the risk factors of GIT parasites. For this cross-sectional study, a total of 383 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the animal and examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques according to standard parasitological procedures. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of GIT parasites was 56.92% (95% CI= 51.8 to 62%). The prevalence was higher in Moyale (71.65%; 95% CI=62.98 to 79.29%), followed by Yabello (52.76%; 95% CI= 43.70 to 61.67%) and Arero (46.51%; 95% CI= 37.69 to 55.50%). The occurrence of GIT parasites among districts was found significant (P<0.05). Among the identified parasites, the highest prevalence was determined for Strongyles type species (29.6%), followed by Eimeria (23.28%), while trematodes and cestodes were found at lower prevalence. The prevalence of GIT parasites was also found to be significantly associated to the age, body condition and history of anthelmintic use of the sampled animals (P<0.05). Sex was insignificantly (P>0.05) associated with the occurrence of GIT parasites. The study revealed that GIT parasites were one of the major problems that could affect health and productivity of cattle in the study area. Therefore, creation of awareness on the effects of GIT parasites for the pastoralists in the study area and designing strategic control approaches have a paramount importance to improve the health and productivity of cattle production in the area. Key words: Borana, Cattle, Ethiopia, gastrointestinal parasites, prevalence.