Prevalence Of Parasitic Helminths In Broiler Chickens From Marathwada Region Of Maharashtra

The present communication deals with the study of seasonal prevalence of parasitic helminths in broiler chickens from Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The study was conducted during, annual cycle June 2012 to May 2013 from different sampling station and different season to estimate the seasonal prevalence of parasitic helminths. For this study annually 279 broiler chickens were randomly selected from different part of Marathwada region under managed systems and different season. A simple salt floatation method was employed for examination of parasitic helminths. After examined the intestine of the chickens the overall prevalence found 46 (16.48 %) during the annual cycle. The seasonal prevalence percentage of parasitic helminths was highest during summer (19.53 %) followed by rainy (16.51 %) and lowest during winter (13.21 %) season. There was difference found in the seasonal prevalence. The average helminth parasite found in the broiler chickens 15 (5.37 %) cestode and 20 (7.16 %) nematode while the mixed infestations was 11 (3.94 %). It was found that the percentage of seasonal prevalence of cestode (Summer: 6.57 %), (Rainy: 5.12 %), (Winter: 4.46 %), nematode (Summer: 8.60 %), (Rainy: 7.17 %), (Winter: 5.46 %) and mixed infection (Summer: 4.35 %), (Rainy: 4.21 %), (Winter: 3.27 %) was highest during summer followed by rainy and lowest during winter season. The major helminth parasites was found in the broiler chickens include Raillietina spp. (4.30 %) and Ascaridia spp.(6.81 %).The results of parasitic helminth are discussed in relation to seasonal variation and found highest during summer followed by rainy and lowest during winter season.