Abstract

Study was conducted from October 2008 to April 2009 to assess the prevalence of nematodes in Haramaya University dairy farm, Ethiopia. Coprological method (floatation, fecal culture and EPG) were used. Of 172 Holstein Friesian breed examined animals, 54% were positive with 18, 57 and 62% prevalence in calves, heifers and adult, respectively showing significant difference (P<0.05) where odds of nematode is 6 in heifers and 7 in adult, than in calves. Overall EPG prevalence of 35.5% of which 15.7% low and 19.8% moderate infections were observed. EPG prevalence of 10, 35 and 44% were registered in calves, heifers and adult, respectively. Major prevalent genera’s are Trichostrongylus (37%), Haemonchus (11.6%), Oesophagostomum (11%), Stronglyloides (6%), Trichuris (1.2%), Cooperia (2.3%) and Lungworm (0.5%) using fecal culture. Thirty (17.44%) of animals was infected with pair of identified genera’s. Hence, nematodes are prevalent in the farm; management and age were found as important risk factors for incidence. No heavy but, moderate infections were observed. This results in sub-clinical case which reduced animal performance and increase susceptible to other disease without notice from economic point of view. Therefore, indoor feeding, strategic deworming, rotational grazing with further study on the impact of nematodes in dairy animals are recommended.

Key words: Nematodes, prevalence, fecal culture, EPG, dairy farm, Haramaya University.