Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Migratory Gaddi Goats of Himachal Pradesh, India

Gastrointestinal parasitism in goats is a prevalent and significant issue affecting livestock health and productivity in Himachal Pradesh. Goat rearing is a traditional occupation of the nomadic tribes in Himachal Pradesh. Small ruminants especially in hilly areas are often prone to infection with parasites. Sampling was done from migratory goats at selected site for further examination and it revealed that migratory goats in mid-hills around Palampur have high prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitism (Strongyle, Trichuris and Moniezia Spp.) with mean Egg Per Gram value of 1656±136.40 in 30 goats out of the total 40 included in this study. Flotation method of faecal examination revealed greater incidence of GIT parasitism. There was significant reduction in Total Erythrocyte count, Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume and Mean Corpuscular Volume in infected goats as compared to healthy goats. Mean values of calcium, albumin, globulin, magnesium and iron were also found to be significantly decreased in infected group. Considering the high parasitic load during migration, regular deworming of the migratory goats is advised to keep them healthy and in good body condition.

Conclusion: Present study concluded that prevalence of GIT parasitism in migratory flock of goat was high when assessed at mid-hills altitude with various haematological and biochemical parameters below the normal range as compared to healthy animals. Considering the high parasitic load during migration regular deworming of the migratory goats is advised to keep them healthy and in good body condition.