The effect of breeding management on the prevalence and trematode infection degree in calves

Background: Poor management in farms can have a negative effect on livestock. The low hygiene of animal feed is one-factor causing various kinds of parasitic agents which can infect livestock. Objective: Examining the effect of breeding management on the prevalence and degree of Trematode worm infection in calves. Method: The samples of this study were 49 calves aged less than 205 days which were randomly selected; 5-7 grams of fresh fecal samples were taken directly from the rectum rectally and put in a plastic pot containing 10% formalin. Sample examination was carried out by sedimentation method and buoyancy method. Results: It was found that 12 samples contained Trematode worms. There are several types of worm eggs, including Fasciola spp., and Paramphistomum spp. Calculation of Worm Eggs per Gram of Stool in 12 positive samples showed a single infection of Fasciola spp. on an average of 0-460 worm eggs per gram of stool, a single infection of Paramphistomum spp. on an average of 0-100 worm eggs per gram of stool, and mixed Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. infection on an average of 0-700 worm eggs per gram of stool. The livestock breeding system which is widely applied is caging. The prevalence of Trematodes in calves was 24.4%, and the average degree of infection was mild, between 1-499 eggs per gram of stool. Conclusion: The prevalence and degree of infection of Trematode worms are influenced by breeding management applied by farmers.