WORK-RELATED INJURIES AND PARASITISM IN DRAUGHT CATTLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AROUND ZARIA, NIGERIA
WORK-RELATED INJURIES AND PARASITISM IN DRAUGHT CATTLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AROUND ZARIA, NIGERIA
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Date
2006-06
Authors
KADIMA, Bakau Kwem
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Abstract
To examine the health and management problems in relationship to work in
draught cattle, Three hundred and forty three (343) draught cattle were
surveyed and examined in seven locations around Zaria, Kaduna State.
Planned visits were made to these villages and an interview method was used
for data collection from the owners of each animal, while detailed
examination of each work bull identified was done. Blood and fecal samples
were also collected from each examined animal for laboratory examination
for hemo and gastrointestinal parasites respectively. The animals surveyed
were in two groups, those that were resting from active ploughing, but
occasionally used for transportation and those that were actively involved in
ploughing. The common health problems of draught cattle and the
treatments given to the animals were recorded. The work-related traumatic
injuries encountered by work bulls and their handlers and the medical help
seeking pattern were also recorded.
The management practices in the villages were basically the extensive and
semi-extensive management systems. In the extensive system work bulls
were allowed to graze only natural pasture, while the semi-intensive systems
allowed them to graze natural pasture with little supplementation during the
evenings.
Clinical signs of disease were observed in 50.78% of the sampled population,
while 49.27% were apparently healthy. Those clinically sick were
significantly (P<0.05) younger than the apparently healthy cattle, and these
also significantly (P<0.05) affected their working hours per day and
consequently, the work output. A low prevalence of trypanosomosis (2.79%),
and high prevalence of helminth infection (73.49%) and work-related injuries
(50.72%) during the wet and dry season was recorded. The helminths egg
output was significantly (P<0.05) increased in relation to feed
supplementation and the seasons.
The hematological changes for trypanosome-infected cattle showed
significant (P<0.05) decreases in the PCV, HB, WBC and eosinophils values,
while the helminth-infected ones showed significant (P<0.05) decreases in
the RBC count, lymphocytes and eosinophils values. The serum electrolyte
changes for helminths-infected bulls at wet and dry season showed
decreased anion gap (18-20mmol/l), significant (P<0.05) increase in bilirubin
values and significant (P<0.05) decreased value of serum glucose.
Injuries were observed on bulls during the wet and the dry season, and there
was significant (P<0.05) relationship between the age and working hours of
these bulls to the occurrence of injury. Most of the injuries were as a result
of poor harness and whip (43.18%), implements and rough terrain (36.36%).
The interpersonal injuries caused by fights amongst bulls were less common.
Majority of work bull owners sought for treatment for these injured animals,
basically through direct purchases of drugs from markets or use of herbs
(65.34%), only 3.03% visited any veterinary establishment. More than half
(50.35%) the number of handlers suffered injuries, and children between the
ages 10-15 were the most injured (71.23%).
This study also identified the need for developing an effective health
programme necessary for improving productivity in these communities,
taking into considerations constraints of poor management practices,
inadequate feed at dry season, diseases, working conditions and material
deprivations such as inaccessible and effective health and veterinary services
to these communities. There is need to increase farmers awareness on the
effect of sub-clinical disease on production and improve the safety
consciousness of farmers.
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD)
IN VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY,
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
WORK-RELATED INJURIES,, PARASITISM,, DRAUGHT CATTLE,, RURAL COMMUNITIES,, ZARIA,, NIGERIA.