Abstract of research

THE INCIDENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION AMONG FRIESIAN AND BUFFALO CALVES IN MINUFIYA GOVERNORATE

Samir H. Essa1, El-Sayed M. Galila2, Mohamed G. Abdelwahab2, Abdelmoneim M. Moustafa2, Faysl K. Hamouda2, and Lubna El-Akabawy3

Abstract

Parasitic diseases constitute one of the important problems affecting the general condition of farm animals causing great losses in the animal productivity or may lead to their death. The present study intended to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in dairy calves of different ages (1-3 months). It aimed later to determine relation between incidence rate and the age of calves. A total of 717 fecal samples Friesian and buffalo calves were selected from Minufiya governorate. Theses samples were examined using the safranin staining method. The highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium (56.32%) was observed in one-weekold calves. The age specific variation for the occurrence of parasites was statistically not significantly different for Cryptosporidium. The highest rate of infection by Cryptosporidium was recorded in summer (46.39%) then spring (45.65%), autumn (24.18%). Finally winter (16.33%) The highest rate of infection by Cryptosporidium was recorded in August (60.00%), Mar (54.56%) and Apr (50.00%). While in December, the incidence was (23.08%). Moreover, the statistical analysis showed that the cryptosporidium oocyst shedding among diarrheic calves was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of non-diarrheic calves. While in buffalo calves, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium (34.07%) was observed in oneweek- old calves. The age specific variation for the occurrence of parasites was statistically not significantly different for Cryptosporidium. The highest rate of infection by Cryptosporidium was recorded in summer (34.19%) then spring (18.18%), autumn (14.29%). Finally winter (8.70%) The highest rate of infection by Cryptosporidium was recorded in August (57.14%), May (40%) and June (31.68%). While in December, the incidence was 10.00%. Moreover, the statistical analysis showed that the cryptosporidium oocyst shedding among diarrheic calves was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of non-diarrheic calves.