Prevalence of endoparasites in pig farms using indigenous micro-organism and conventional systems in Nangabo sub-county, Wakiso District

Abstract

A study on the prevalence of endo-parasites in pig farms using Indigenous Micro-organism (IMO) and conventional systems was conducted in Nangabo subcounty, Wakiso district. Eighty (80) pigs, forty from each system were randomly selected irrespective of age and sex from the study area. The faecal samples from the pigs were processed and examined microscopically. The qualitative and quantitative estimations of the ova, oocysts, and cysts per gram of faeces were done using sedimentation/floatation and the McMaster egg counting technique respectively. The study established significant statistical differences in the prevalence rates for endo-parasites under the two systems. IMO with 47.5% and conventional systems with 77.5%. There were differences in the prevalence of the endo-parasite; between the sexes though not statistically significant, females (76.2%) and males (47.4%) and among the age groups (piglets (75%), growers (80%) and adults (36.7%)), which was statistically significant. The prevalence of Trichuris was high in piglets (15%) than growers (3.3%). Generally strongyles had the highest prevalence (57.5%) followed by coccidian (55%), Ascaris (17.5%) and Trichuris (5%). Pigs with an average epg greater than 500 needed deworming. Overall, the study established that farms using IMO have reduced endo-parasitic prevalence compared to conventional systems. Furthermore it was found out that management system, husbandry practices (like biosecurity and deworming) and age are some of the risk factors to the prevalence of endo-parasites in piggery production in Nangabo Wakiso district.