Production Losses Associated with Gastro-Intestinal Helminthiasis in Egg-Laying Domestic-Fowl (Gallus Gallus Domesticus: Galliformes) in Poultry Farms in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cases of dead birds, and poorly performing birds, especially egg-layers of the genus Gallus gallus domesticus: Galliformes were observed. Post mortem examination of these birds was routinely carried out over a period of six months (February and July 2013). A total of five hundred birds were examined to ascertain the causes of their death and/or poor egg production. Out of this number, two hundred and seven (207) (i.e. 41.4%) of the posted birds were found with helminthes in their gastro-intestinal tracts. The production implications of this level of infestation and their adverse effects on profitable poultry-production was analyzed. This evaluation was done bearing in mind the adverse-effects of gastro-intestinal helminthes on the egg as well as meat production-propensities of the poultry farms in Rivers State. The production-losses associated with the loss of birds and their products were considered. These were observed and reported to be in millions of naira.

Keywords: Domestic fowl, Layers, Helminthiasis, Production loss.