PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN NON FREE RANGE CHICKENS REARED AT

SOME FARMS IN MAHUTA KADUNA.

BY

BLESSING ADAMU

KASU/18/BIO/1280

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES,

FACULTY OF SCIENCES,

KADUNA STATE UNIVERSITY.

JANUARY, 2024.
 COCCIDIOSIS IN NON FREE RANGE CHICKENS REARED AT SOME FARMS IN
MAHUTA KADUNA

BY

BLESSING ADAMU

KASU/18/BIO/1280

BEING A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE, KADUNA STATE
UNIVERSITY (KASU) KADUNA, NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.
HONOURS) DEGREE IN BIOLOGY

JANUARY, 2024.
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project work titled “PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN NON
FREE RANGE CHICKENS REARED AT SOME FARMS IN MAHUTA KADUNA" is the
product of my work under the supervision of DR. BASIRA IBRAHIM.I and has not been
submitted for the award of any Degree, Diploma or any qualification in any institution. All
information and excerpts from the work of others have been acknowledged by means of
references.

________________________ ________________

BLESSING ADAMU DATE

KASU/18/BIO/1280

ii
 CERTIFICATION

This research project titled PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN NON FREE RANGE

CHICKENS REARED AT SOME FARMS IN MAHUTA KADUNA written by BLESSING
ADAMU meets the regulations governing the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.
Biology, Kaduna State University, Kaduna and is therefore approved for its contribution to
knowledge and literary presentation.

__________________ _______________

Dr. Basira Ibrahim Date

Supervisor

__________________ _______________

Dr. Basira Ibrahim Date

Head of Department

__________________ _______________

Date

External supervisor

iii
 DEDICATION

This project work is dedicated Almighty God

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My genuine appreciation goes to Almighty God for his grace, mercies and love towards me and
for the success granted I me througout this project research work.

My profound gratitude goes to my kindhearted supervisor DR BASIRA IBRAHIM for her

patience, corrections and guidance to the completion of the project work, may God's favour
never cease in your life.

I would like to acknowledge the HOD of BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT, Dr

Basira Ibrahim and all staff members of DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES for
impacting knowledge to me all these years of study.

I would like to acknowledge my parents and siblings for their support towards my pursuit for
my academic excellence as well as their prayers and financial support.

My endless appreciation goes to the Family of Mr and Mrs J.W Bagu and my Uncle Rtrd AVM
J.K Baba for their encouragement, and financial support throughout my program, may the
almighty God continue to bless and keep you. Amen

A big thank you to my wonderful, caring and loving friends whom had assisted me in one way or
the other, to mention but a few Dorcas, Beatrice, Maureen, and Peace. Thank you for your
support and prayers. A very big thank you to everyone who in one way or the other contributed
to it's success, may God Almighty reward you all in abundance .Amen.

v
 ABSTRACT

Coccidiosis is a widespread and economically significant disease of livestock caused by

protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria. This disease is worldwide in occurrence and costs the
animal agricultural industry many millions of dollars to control. In recent years, the modern
tools of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and immunology have been used to expand
greatly our knowledge of these parasites and the disease they cause. Such studies are essential if
we are to develop new means for the control of coccidiosis. In this chapter, selective aspects of
the biology of these organisms, with emphasis on recent research in poultry, are reviewed.
Topics considered include taxonomy, systematics, genetics, genomics, transcriptomics,
proteomics, transfection, oocyst biogenesis, host cell invasion, immunobiology, diagnostics and
control.

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................ii

CERTIFICATION..........................................................................................................................iii

DEDICATION................................................................................................................................iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................vi

TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY......................................................................................1

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM..............................................................................................2

1.3 JUSTIFICATION...................................................................................................................2

1.4 AIM........................................................................................................................................3

1.5 OBJECTIVES:.......................................................................................................................3

1.6 HYPOTHESIS.......................................................................................................................3

CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................4

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................4

2.1 AETIOLOGY.........................................................................................................................4

2.2 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION....................................................................................5

2.3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND...........................................................................................5

2.4 MORPHOLOGY...................................................................................................................6

2.5 CLINICAL SIGNS................................................................................................................6

2.6 EPIDIOMOLOGY.................................................................................................................6
vii
 2.7 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COCCIDIOSIS..........................................................................7

2.8 STRATEGIES TO CONTROL AVIAN COCCIDIOSIS.....................................................8

2.8.1 NATURAL IMMUNITY....................................................................................................8

2.9 DRUGS..................................................................................................................................9

2.9.1 Types of Drugs....................................................................................................................9

2.10 VACCINES........................................................................................................................10

2.10.1 Types of Vaccines...........................................................................................................11

2.11 LIFE CYCLE.....................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................14

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHOD...........................................................................................14

3.1 Study Area............................................................................................................................14

3.2 Materials...............................................................................................................................14

3.3 Sample Collection................................................................................................................14

3.4 Laboratory Examination......................................................................................................14

3.5 Data Analysis.......................................................................................................................15

CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................16

4.0 RESULTS............................................................................................................................16

CHAPTER FIVE...........................................................................................................................18

5.0 DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................18

5.2 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................19

5.3 RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................................20

REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................21

viii
ix
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals caused by coccidian protozoa.

The parasites rapidly multiply, damaging the intestinal lining, preventing animals from absorbing

nutrients from their food. The disease spread from one animal to another by contact with

infected feces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe

cases, is the primary symptom .(Alberta, 2007). Most animals infected with coccidia are

asymptomatic, but young or immunocompromised animals may suffer severe symptoms and

death. While coccidia can infect a wide variety of animals including humans, birds and livestock,

they are usually species-specific. One well known exception is toxoplasmosis caused by

toxoplasma gondii. Humans may first encounter coccidia when they acquire a dog, cat or bird

that is infected. Other than T. gondii, the infectious organisms are canine and feline specific and

are not contagious to humans unlike the zoonotic diseases. The microscopic cooties that cause

cocci are everywhere. Chickens can be affected by cocci even with the best coop sanitation and

flock management practices. (Omodele and Okere 2006). The key to keeping chickens healthy is

learning to control the spread of the disease, recognizing the symptoms when they occur,

obtaining a definitive diagnosis and knowing how to treat an affected bird.

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that can cause severe losses in poultry meat and egg production.

The parasites multiply in the intestines and cause tissue damage, lowered feed intake, poor

absorption of nutrients from the feed, dehydration, and blood loss. Birds are also more likely to

1
get sick from secondary bacterial infections. However, in low-density production or with the use

of preventative medication, coccidiosis generally remains a subclinical disease that only affects

performance – without the alarming losses of the past.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Coccidiosis is a disease that affects most farm animals and poultry thereby causing high

morbidity and mortality (Harold et. al 1991) in both small and large scale commercial poultry

and food animal production thereby resulting in heavy economic losses (Jordan and Pattinson,

1999). Coccidiosis is believed to be zoonotic (Harold et. al, 1991) i.e the causative agent is

capable of causing harm to humans when they consume infected food or meat contaminated with

feces of infected animals (Harold et. al, 1991). These calls for the need for a study on the

prevalence of coccidiosis non free range chickens.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION

The poultry and food animal production industry is of significant economic importance not only

to the individual farmer, but also to the nation's economy in general y providing income,

supplementary food and employment to individuals (Jordan and Pattinson, 1999)

However, the industry is threatened by the persistence and prevalence of coccidiosis outbreak

resulting in heavy morbidity and mortality rates. This subsequently results n heavy economic

losses in terms of death of birds, reduction in egg production quality, poor weight gain and cost

of treatment in cases of outbreak (Jordan and pattison, 1999).

2
Despite the periodic introduction of various new drugs into the market, emerging anti coccidial

resistance to these drugs has even on the increase. This informs the news to carry out a study on

the prevalence of coccidiosis in free range and non free range chickens.

1.4 AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in non-free range chickens at

kcalsynergy and Chrisjay's poultry farm mahuta Kaduna.

1.5 OBJECTIVES:

i. To determine the prevalence and of coccidiosis in non-free range chickens

through fecal examination.

ii. To prevent cleanical disease and the resulting economic losses.

iii. To compare he prevalence of Coccidiosis between the two farms

1.6 HYPOTHESIS

There's no significant level of coccidiosis infection in chickens within these farms

3
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Coccidiosis is a common intestinal disease that affects chickens worldwide. It is caused by a

group of parasites called coccidia. These parasites can invade the intestinal lining of chickens

and cause various symptoms, including diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss and decrease

egg production.(Mauzu et al, 2008)

Both free range and non- free range chickens can be susceptible to coccidiosis, but there are

some differences in the risk factors and management strategies between the two systems.

Several studies have investigated the prevalence of coccidiosis in free range and non-free range

chickens. A study by Gómez-Morales et al. (2018) found that the prevalence of coccidiosis was

higher in free range chickens (70%) compared to non-free range chickens (40%). Another study

by Mishra et al. (2019) reported a similar trend, with a prevalence of 75% in free range chickens

and 60% in non-free range chickens. However, a study by Adeleke et al. (2018) found no

significant difference in the prevalence of coccidiosis between free range and non-free range

chickens, with a prevalence of 70% in both groups.

2.1 AETIOLOGY

The disease is caused by a microscopic protozoan organism known as coccidia belonging to the

phylum Apicomplexa, Family Eimeriidae (Merck, 1991). In poultry, most species belong to the

genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine (Read, 1981). The infectious process is

rapid (4 to 7 days) and s characterised by parasite replications in host cells with extensive

4
damage to the intestinal mucosa ( Merck, 1991). Each class of livestock has species- specific

coccidia.

2.2 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

Coccidiosis is a world wide distribution where free range and non free range chickens re found

or reared (Pellerdy, 1974) and it is assumed that most if not all domestic animals, ruminants

become infected coccidia during their lives (Taylor and Catchpole, 1994).

2.3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The decade now looks backwards o the pioneering work on coccidia and coccidiosis n the late

1920s and early 1930s (Fantham and Come et. al, 1930) by researchers who laid the foundations

of much fundamental knowledge, including speciation, lifecycles, pathogenicity, host specificity,

induction of protective immunity and control by vaccination and chemotherapy (Fantham and

Cole et. al 1930); and looks forward to the modern era in which molecular approaches are being

applied I many studies, including Eimeria genomes and genetics, immune mechanics and

protective antigens and host susceptibility with the real prospect that a new generation of

innovative vaccines will emerge.

Until recent years coccidiosis of domestic and some wild fowls was considered due to one

species Eimeriaavium ( Chapman and Thomas, 2012).

Investigation t western washington Experiment Station established that sparrows (Passer

dorneslicus) and blackbirds (Euphaguscyanoceplialus) in the state f washington haboured oocyst

which were not of the same species as those found in chickens (Smith and Smillie,1930). In

addition, it was brought out that occysts had been found in the turkey which showed a shape-

5
index differentiating them from occysts noted in the chicken ( Johnson W.T, 1923). This gave he

bases of the host specificity f the coccidian parasite.

2.4 MORPHOLOGY

The conccidian parasite have three developmental stages; schizonts, gamonts and oocyst (Smith

and Strout, 1979). The oocyst which is the basic life cycle component of coccidia has a wall

made of two layers, viewed under the electron microscope; the outer layer is seen sorrounded by

a membrane. A tiny opening (micropyle) exist at one end of the oocyst (Smith and Strout, 1979).

The oo yay wall is of a resistant material chitin-like substance that helps the organism to survive

harsh condition in the external environment (Monne and Honig, 1957). It is not purely chitin

because it does not contain N-Acetyl glucosamine ( Monne and Honig, 1954).

2.5 CLINICAL SIGNS

Coccidiosis in poultry is divided into caecal and intestinal. Caecal Coccidiosis may produce

bloody droppings and anaemia that is often followed by death. Intestinal Coccidiosis is more

chronic in nature ( Muazu et, al., 2008., Ali et al., 2014). Sub clinically, it is manifested by poor

performance, impaired food conversion, poor flock uniformity and poor growth can damage the

immune system and leave poultry more vulnerable to pathogens like clostridium. Salmonella and

E. coli (Yu-wen, 2009). In Zaria studies indicated that E. tenella and E. necatrix to be the most

pathogenic Eimeria species causing bloody and caecal Coccidiosis respectively ( Musa et, at.

2010).

2.6 EPIDIOMOLOGY

Coccidiosis is a disease common in intensively managed farms especially where management or

hygiene standards are compromised ( Musa et al., 2010). Damp litter that has the high moisture
6
content and warmth of 25- 30⁰C, favours oocyst sporulation ( David 2000). It was also observed

that oocyst sporulation is observed or not even occur at 10 ⁰C in dry conditions, while at 45-50 ⁰C

oocyst could sporulate within a day and under optimal conditions of temperature (21-30 ⁰C),

adequate moisture and oxygen, oocyst could sporulate and become infective between 1-2days or

could get destroyed at 560C for one hour (Trees, 2002; Etuk et., al 2004; Musa et al., 2010).

Sudden utbreak of Coccidiosis occurs following the ingestion of high doses of the sporulated

oocysts over a short period of time by non immune young(3-8 weeks old) birds (Musa et al.,

2010). Birds of ny age are susceptible to Coccidiosis ulbut most birds get infected in the early

few weeks of life (Chookyonic et al., 2009). Coccidiosis has been reported bout 3 days following

ingestion of large numbers of sporulated occyst Urquhart et al., 2006) and under the field

condition, the incubation period or intestinal Coccidiosis was reported to be 5days while that of

caecal Coccidiosis was 5-6 days (Chookyonix et al., 2009; Musa et al., 2010). Furthermore,

clinical infected md recovered adult birds have been shown to shed oocyst n their feces thereby

contaminating feed, water and soil (Miss et al., 2010). Additionally oocyst have been practically

shown to survive outside the host for up to 2years and resisted low temperatures, dry conditions

and many forms of disinfectants (David 2000).

2.7 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COCCIDIOSIS

An outbreak of coccidiosis has a very high negative nd economic impact n the flock as well as

for the poultry producers at treatment alone cannot prevent economic losses (Majero, 2000;

Barskh 2002). The disease results overall in 51.38% mortality in the poultry industry worldwide

(Cocciforum, 2007). The global cost of Coccidiosis to the poultry industry has been estimated to

exceed $2 billion per annum (Fornace et al., 2013). It is also estimated that the economic losses

due to the disease is about US $450 million with additional US $ 100 million due to medication
7
in the united states' alone (Pakissan.com 2005; Maikai et all., 2007. In Nigeria where poultry

farming is less developed, the disease is more serious and causes heavy economic los ses. The

losses associated with Coccidiosis include both direct and indirect components; including the

cost of control measures, production losses and potential consequences to animal health from

resistance to chemoprophylaxis could be in the region of millions of Naira (Maikai et al., 2007;

Fornace et al., 2013). The disease therefore carries losses for the farmer in the form of

martalities, reduced market value of the affected birds and sometimes culling or delayed

slaughter time (Yu-Wen, 2009).

2.8 STRATEGIES TO CONTROL AVIAN COCCIDIOSIS

2.8.1 NATURAL IMMUNITY

A small-scale, low-density production system can allow a low level of exposure to coccidia,

which permits the chick to develop immunity without triggering the disease. However, birds may

not pick up enough parasites to cause immunity, or they may be overwhelmed by too many. In

addition, immunity is only species-specific. Exposure to one type of coccidia will not protect a

chicken from the other six types that can infect it ( Mauzu et al., 2008).

Early detection is a management method to avoid the use of preventative medication. If you can

catch the disease when it initially infects only a few birds, you may have time to treat the birds

with a rescue drug or make a management change, such as moving the birds to fresh pasture.

Early detection requires close observation and experience. Watch feed intake in particular – it

goes down in the early stages of coccidiosis.

The choice of production system is an important management decision.

8
High-density, large-scale production almost always requires the use of anticoccidial medication.

In contrast, in low-density, small-scale production, the birds tend to stay ahead of the parasites

and may not require medication (Mauzu et al., 2008). Many small-scale producers do not use

anticoccidial medication; however, as the size of the flocks grows, more problems are

encountered and more management is required for natural immunity.

Immunity is especially important in turkeys, layers, breeders, and slow-growing broilers that are

kept longer than fast-growing broilers marketed at a younger age.

2.9 DRUGS

Although a producer may depend on management for coccidiosis control, a drug such as

amprolium is useful for rescue treatment in the case of an outbreak. There is no need to destroy

infected birds; they can be treated. In large houses, it is necessary to routinely use drugs or

vaccines because of the high density of birds.

2.9.1 Types of Drugs

Sulfa drugs: An exciting discovery in the 1930s was that sulfa drugs would prevent coccidiosis –

the first drugs shown to do so. Sulfa drugs also have some antibacterial action. However, a

relatively large amount of sulfa was needed (10-20 percent of the diet) and could be tolerated by

the bird for only a short time, since it caused rickets. (Reid, 1990) Sulfa drugs had to be used

intermittently (e.g., three days on and three days off). Nowadays, comparatively small amounts

of sulfamonaides, such as sulfaquinoxaline, are used. They work only against Eimeria acervulina

and Eimeria maxima, not against Eimeria tenella. Sulfamonaides are used to treat coccidiosis.

9
Amprolium: Amprolium is an anticoccidial drug. It has also been used for many years and needs

no withdrawal time to guard against residue in the meat. It is given in the drinking water and

interferes with metabolism of the vitamin thiamin (vitamin B1) in coccidia. Amprolium treats

both intestinal and cecal coccidia.

Quinolones: Quinolones are coccidiostatsthat arrest the coccidia in an early stage of

development. An example is decoquinate (Deccox®). The drugs are used for prevention.

Ionophores: Ionophores are anticoccidials commonly used in the large-scale industry. They alter

the function of the cell membrane and rupture the parasite. Ionophores also have antibacterial

action and help prevent secondary gut diseases. Ionophores are not synthetic drugs; they are

produced by fermentation and include monensin (Coban®) and salinomycin (Sacox®).

However, some ionophores are now completely ineffective against coccidia because of resistance

the coccidia have developed. They are used for prevention.

Other drugs: There are many other anticoccidial drugs in various chemical classes with various

modes of action. Examples are Nicarb® (nicarbizone) and Clinicox®.

2.10 VACCINES

Interest is growing in controlling coccidiosis by vaccination because immunological control is

recognized as the only practical alternative to anticoccidial drugs in largescale production.

(Chapman, 2002)

Large poultry companies usually vaccinate chicks at company-owned hatcheries. Smaller

producers buy chicks from independent hatcheries, but some hatcheries do not offer coccidiosis

10
vaccination. Small producers may need to do the vaccination themselves, once the chicks arrive

at the farm.

2.10.1 Types of Vaccines

At the time of this writing (2006), coccidial vaccines licensed in the U.S. include the following:

Coccivac®: This vaccine was developed in the early 1950s. The Band Dtypes are different

mixtures of Eimeriaspecies; the Ttype is for turkeys. Coccivac® is produced by Schering Plough

Animal Health.

Immucox®: This vaccine was developed in Canada by Vetech Laboratories. It is distributed by

Wingo.

Advent®: This vaccine was recently developed in the U.S. by Viridus Animal Health. It is

marketed as having more viable oocysts (truly sporulated oocysts that can cause immunity) than

other vaccines.

The vaccines above can actually cause some lesions and occurrence of coccidiosis in birds

because they are not attenuatedor weakened in some way. It is a controlled occurrence, but it

may be necessary to treat for secondary gut disease, using antibiotics or alternatives such as

probiotics. In contrast, coccidiosis vaccines used in Europe are attenuated. They are altered

because the coccidia used in the vaccine are designed to mature quickly and have a short

(precocious) life cycle and low fertility. They are not pathogenic – disease-causing – and are

more costly to produce than the nonattenuated vaccines. They include Paracox®, Livacox®, and

Viracox® which are marketed in other countries but not currently in the U.S.

11
More types of vaccines are likely to be developed, because the government approval process is

much cheaper for vaccines than for anticoccidial drugs.

Since immunity is species-specific, anticoccidial vaccines include mixtures of species of Eimeria

that affect chickens. It is especially important to include the three types that cause the most

damage in chickens: Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella.

2.11 LIFE CYCLE

Knowing how coccidia develop helps to understand and control the disease. Coccidiosis is

caused in poultry by a one-celled parasite of the genus Eimeria. The life cycle of Eimeria takes

about four to seven days to complete. It begins when active oocysts are picked up by the bird and

swallowed. (Musa et al, 2010) An oocysts is a capsule with a thick wall protecting the parasites.

They sporulate or become infective if moisture, temperature, and oxygen become conducive for

growth. After a bird eats the occysts, coccidian imbed in the intestinal lining and multiply several

times, damaging tissue (Lai et at, 2011).

A coccidial infection differs from bacterial and viral infections because coccidian are srlf

limiting and usually stop multiplying before killing the bird.

Coccidia are parasites, so they get their nutrients from the chicken host. The multiplications

eventually stop, usually before causing death of the bird. The bird sheds the parasites in its

droppings. These new oocysts can infect other birds.

Coccidiosis is usually a disease of young birds, but birds can be infected at any time if never

before exposed. Coccidian populations take time to build to dangerous levels, therefore the

outbreaks usually occur when birds are between 3 and 8 weeks of age.

12
Coccidiosis goes hand in hand with gut diseases, because it damages the gut and allow bacteria

to enter and cause secondary infections. Coccidia are species specific coccidia that affect

chickens donot affect other livestock and vice versa (Lai et al, 2011).

CLASSIFICATION

phylum Apicomplexa

Class Sporozoea

Order Eucoccidiorida

Family Eimeriidae

Genus Eimeria

13
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1 Study Area

The study area of this research is kcalsynergy and Chrisjay's poultry farm, located at Mahuta

Area of Kaduna Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Mhauta is situated are latitude

110 33`12.17” N and longitude 40 58`52.97” E

3.2 Materials

Materials include the following; fecal samples, sample bottles, glass slides, cover slips, lugol's

iodine, zinc sulphate, hand gloves, syringe, droppers, microscope, cotton wool, and nose mask.

3.3 Sample Collection

The kcalsynergy and Chrisjay's poultry farm were visited for collection of samples. 50 fresh

fecal samples were collected from each farm into the sample bottles and transported immediately

for processing.

3.4 Laboratory Examination

The method used was fecal flotation method.

100ml of purified water was placed in a cleaned and dried 1000ml volumetric flask, 28.8 gm of

zinc sulphate was added with continues stirring, 700ml of purified water was added and allowed

to cool to room temperature, then the solution was kept for an hour for standardization.

A total of 100 fresh feces from each farm were collected into sample bottles and 15ml of zinc

sulphate was added, the mixture was poured into a strainer to remove debris, the strained
14
misxture was now poured in a centrifuge tube and centrifuged for 5 minutes, then a cover slip

was placed on the centrifuge tube while a glass slide was already placed and a drop of lugol's

iodine for staining then the cover slip was removed from the centrifuge tube and carefully placed

on the slide and it was observed in the microscope.

3.5 Data Analysis

Data was analyzed using statistical packages Ms.-Excel and SPSS version 23. All analysis was

done at 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Data

was presented in frequencies, percentages and chart as appropriate.

15
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS

Table 4.1 A table showing the prevalence of coccidiosis in kcalsynergy and chrisjay’s
poultry farms.
No. of chicken examined Result Percentage (%)

100 Positive 3 (3%)

Negative 97 (97%)

Grand Total 100 100%

16
Table 4.2: A bar chart showing the overall prevalence of coccidiosis

Variables No. of Positive Prevalence (%)

samples
Kcalsynergy poultry farm 50 3 (6.0%)

Chrisjay's poultry Farm 50 0 (0.0%)

Grand Total 100 3 100%

A total of 100 faecal droppings of birds from two poultry farms in Mahuta, Kaduna State within

the ages 6 weeks and above (adult chickens) were examined for coccidial infection. The overall

infection of Eimeria species among the farms were 3 (3%) out of 100 (100%) faecal droppings

examined. In Kcalsynergy farms 3 (6%) were infected out of 50 (100%) samples analyzed, while

0 (0.00%) out of 50 (100%) samples analysed in Chrisjay's farm were infected . Statistically,

there is no significant difference in infection rates among the two different poultry farms studies

(p >0.05) (Table1)

17
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 DISCUSSION

Coccidiosis is one of the most common intestinal parasitic diseases of poultry birds which causes

high mortality rates as a result of anaemia, anorexia, etc.Out of 100 (100%) samples examined

from the two farms, 3 (3%) were found infective (Table1).The present study revealed

significantly low prevalence rate of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. In this study, the prevalence

rate of Eimeria species in birds in the two farms examined in Mahuta, Kaduna State was low

compared to the results of other survey conducted in Vom, Plateau state in Nigeria, by (Muazu et

al., 2008) carried out a survey using a total of 300 samples made up of one hundred carcasses

and two hundred (200) faecal droppings from two poultry farms.

The prevalence of infection which he got among the adult birds was 52.9%; a rate which was

found to be higher compared to results of other survey in Nigeria. The low prevalence rate in this

study could be as a result of the differences in weather between Kaduna that has a dry weather,

and Plateau State that is usually of high moisture. Also, the adequate bio-security ensured in the

study-sites might be a direct cause of the low prevalence rate. Furthermore, in a work done by

(Etuk et al., 2004) in Abak, Akwa Ibom in Nigeria, it was observed that 3,327 (29.36%) birds

out of 11,333 encountered in 15 farms were infected. He recorded an overall mortality rate of

2.63%, highest prevalence rates were recorded in the rainy seasons (12.7%) and birds within the

ages of 1 to 5 weeks were infected most (18.75%). Birds managed in deep litter had a prevalence

of (26.69%), while layers (22.29%) and Harco strain was (26.42%).The prevalence of coccidial

infection among adult layers chickens was lower 3(3%)

18
These results were in agreement with the report of (Muazu et al., 2008) who stated that the

prevalence of coccidial infection among adult birds was (3.7%). The results obtained in the

present-study also support the report of (Julie,1999) that adult layer poultry can be resistant to

infection, when kept under intensive management practices , but disagree with earlier report

from Kaduna state, Nigeria (Jatau et al., 2012) That adult layers are more susceptible to infection

this finding could be attributed to the fact that layer birds are usually kept on deep litter system

for longer periods than broilers there by predisposing them to frequent contact with oocysts. .

The overall results of the present study indicate a very low prevalence of coccidiosis in layers

chickens.

The reason could be due to the intensive management practices environment. Further, owing to

their high reproduction potential, it is very difficult to keep chickens coccidian free, especially

under current intensive rearing conditions (Chapman, 2014) Furthermore, poor management such

as wet litter that encourages oocyst sporulation, contaminated drinkers and feeders, poor

ventilation, and high stocking density can exacerbate the clinical signs. (Ruff, 1993) However,

good management practices including good ventilation, dry and clean litter, cleaning and

decontamination of drinkers and feeders and proper stocking density in the farm can minimize

the onset of coccidiosis. (Abbas et al., 2011)

5.2 CONCLUSION

The outcome of this study showed that the prevalence of infection was low in the two farms

examined,. The fecal examination of coccidiosis in non-free range chickens in two farms

Kcalsynergy poultry farm and Chrisjay's poultry farm mahuta Kaduna was (3%).

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These results will help in developing more effective prevention and treatment strategies for

coccidiosis in chickens, and ultimately reduce the economic losses associated with this disease.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

 Farmers should ensured adequate bio-security in put in place by avoiding wet litter which

could encourage oocyst sporulation, and reduced their stocking density. Also proper

personal hygiene should be practice.

 The effective control of coccidiosis in poultry farms will significantly reduce the cost of

production and improve income from poultry operations in Nigeria.

 Considering the peculiarities and the range of the poultry production systems in Nigeria,

a coccidiosis control program should be designed to provide options for the various

categories of production systems.

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