Agro-Ecological Zones, Breed Type And Animal Management Styles Association With The Prevalence Of The GI Parasites In Cattle Of Kirinyaga County, Kenya

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of helminths in cattle in Kirinyaga County in association with the agro-ecological zones, breed types and animal management styles. Epidemiological data was collected using a questionnaire survey administered to 244 respondents. Fecal samples from cattle were collected within a period of four months to determine helminths and protozoa egg counts. The study revealed that there was a significant association between the type of management style used and helminth infestation. The grazing style of management significantly related to helminths infection (P< 0.05). When considering the various cattle breeds, Arshyires and Friesians were significantly associated with helminth infection at 24 and 50 times higher than the crosses and zebu breeds. Helminth presence was significantly associated with agro ecological zone from which cattle came from. Coccidia was significantly associated with age and breed of cattle (P<0.005). The calves were 4 times more likely to be affected by coccidia than adult cattle while the yearlings were about 3.8 times more likely to be affected by coccidia. The Friesian was 4.9 times more susceptible to coccidia infection than other breeds. In conclusion, during the control and treatment of cattle helminthiasis, agro-ecology, species, age and sex of the animals should be considered as potential risk factors for the occurrence of the disease in the study areas.