Research Information System
KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI, vol.18, 2012 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, the prevalence of Eimeria and Cryptosporidium species and oocyst excretions were investigated in cows in periparturient period (PPD) comparing with pregnant cows in non-periparturient period (PPDD-Control). PPDD-control and PPD group in ten cattle ranches in Kars and the surrounding area were used as animal materials. First stool samples from the rectums of 125 same cows of both groups were taken between November, 2010 and January, 2011, second time they were taken in April - May, 2011. The samples were examined by using centrifugal sedimentation and flotation, modified acid fast staining, and McMaster technique. The oocysts of Eimeria were detected in all of 10 dairy cattle farms while the oocysts of Cryptosporidium were detected in just two farms. The incidence of Eimeria was 60.0% (75/125) in PPDD-control group while it was 65.6% (82/125) in cows of PPD group (P>0.05). Sixty nine of 75 positive samples (92%) in PPDD-control group were also positive in PPD group for coccidian oocysts. Additionally, 13 negative samples in PPDD-control group were positive in the same cows of PPD group. Regarding these results, Eimeria were more prevalent in the cows which were in PPD period. The number of Eimeria oocysts in feces (total: 13250, mean: 106, n: 125) were detected higher in cattle of periparturient period comparing with that of PPDD-control group (total: 8350, mean: 66.8, n: 125) (P<0.01). Cryptosporidium agents were 4.8% (6/125) in PPDD-control group animals, the ratio was found as 7.2% (9/125) in cows in PPD period. Intensity of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected in stool specimens were in low numbers. Eimeria bovis, E. zuernii and E. auburnensis were quite prevalent, but also E. canadensis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. subspherica, E. bukidnonensis, E. alabamensis, E. cylindrica, and E. brasiliensis were identified. It is concluded that cows in periparturient period in Kars area have significant risk factors to transmit Eimeria and Cryptosporidium species to newborn calves.