A comparative analysis of the gastro-intestinal helminth parasites of cattle in Awka and Obosi abattoirs in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. Umeanaeto, P.U., 1 Ogbogu, N.E., 1 Irikannu, K.C., 1 Onyido, A.E., 1 Okwelogu, I.S.,Mbanefo, E.C., 1 and Ifeanyichukwu, M.O. 2 1 Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. 2 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. kayceeirika@yahoo.com Abstract-A comparative study was carried out on the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes of cattle in Awka and Obosi abattoirs in Anambra State, between August and September, 2014. Fresh faecal specimens were collected from the rectum of 120 fleshly slaughtered cattle using universal specimen containers. Parasitological examination of the faeces were done using direct smear and formal-ether concentration techniques. Out of 120 faecal specimens examined, 53(44.2%) of the cattle harboured gastro-intestinal helminth parasites. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was higher in Obosi abattoir 33(55.0%) than in Awka abattoir 20(33.3%).The highest intestinal parasite encountered was nematode infection (26.7% in Awka; 31.7% in Obosi) and the least was cestode (15.0% in Awka; 21.7%in Obosi). Among the nematodes, Haemonchus contortus was common (10% in Awka; 11.7% in Obosi). Mixed infection recorded were 13.3% in Awka and 18.3% in Obosi abattoirs. White Fulani species had the highest infection rate in both Awka 10(16.7%) and Obosi abattoirs 14(23.4%) while the Red Fulani had the least prevalence in Awka3(5.0%) and Bokolo species 8(13.4%) in Obosi. Prevalence according to gender showed that females (20.0% in Awka; 28.3% in Obosi) were more infected than the males (13.3% in Awka; 26.7% in Obosi). The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was observed to be statistically significant with gender (P>0.05) but not with different breeds (P<0.05). Good management practices in cattle rearing will help to reduce intestinal parasites of cattle. Keywords: Comparative, gastro-intestinal, helminthes, infection, cattle, abbatoir, Awka, Obosi, I. INTRODUCTION Livestock production constitutes a very important component of the agricultural economy of developing countries, a contribution that goes beyond direct food production to include multipurpose uses, such as skins, fibre, fertilizer and fuel, as well as capital accumulation [1]. Furthermore, livestock are closely linked to the social and cultural lives of several million resource-poor farmers for whom animal ownership ensures varying degrees of sustainable farming and economic stability [2]. Cattle are distributed in many parts of the world including Nigeria and the distribution is in such a way that up to ten cattle is kept per household in the Northern part of Nigeria [3]. Cattle are slaughtered on daily basis in all abattoirs in Nigeria, where they are sold as beef to the public. This accounts for upto 70% of the total meat consumed in the country [4]. Apart from these advantages, cattle are infected with gastrointestinal parasites especially helminthes [5].Gastrointestinal helminth infections are recognized as a major constraint to livestock production throughout the tropics and elsewhere [6]. Intestinal helminthes are worldwide problem for both small and large scale cattle farmers but its impact is greater in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in particular. This is due to availability of diversified host and parasites species [7]. The gastro-intestinal helminthes populate the gastro-intestinal tracts of cattle and other associated organs of GIT. The parasites live in the host, receiving nourishment and protection while causing acute and chronic infections, disrupting the host nutrient absorption, causing reduced weight gain, reduced food conversion, abortion, infertility, reduced meat and milk production, weakness and diseases [8]. However, the effect of helminth infections is determined by a combination of factors, of which the varying susceptibility of the host species, the pathogenicity of the parasite species, the host/parasite interaction, and the infective dose are the most important [9]. Journal of Advanced Research in Health and Nursing Volume-1 | Issue-8 | August,2016 | Paper-1 1