Helminth levels of working donkeys kept under different management systems in the Moretele 1 district of the North-West Province, South Africa.

摘要: In Southern Africa, where 150,000 working donkeys provide an important alternative to mechanisation in resource-poor communities, very little is known about their helminth status, or the impact of helminths on work output. The aim this study was investigate status under different management systems. Donkey owners three areas (one rural and two semi-rural) Moretele 1 district North-West Province, South were visited structured interviews used assess systems which kept. Faecal samples collected from 93 once a month for 14 months. analysed nematode trematode eggs cultured produce third-stage larvae identification species. Final comparisons between system subgroups, as well areas, age groups sexes made. Four identified. (1) first identified consisted kept small yard at all times. They fed hay but no supplementary food. (2) second allowed roam freely around village most time rounded up held enclosure when needed work. (3) third identical except that given food during winter. (4) fourth only found one area each owner owned 10 ha land here owner's brought into enclosures prior working. Helminth species composition faecal egg count numbers differed these four main difference noted showed significantly higher strongyle percentages some larvae. Management had Strongyloides mean prevalence than other areas. Parascaris Gastrodiscus counts Since results differences number systems, suggestions are made would facilitate reduction parasites animals. Although feeding fairly rare, it seem do have access better resources lower limited grazing.