The main area of research in this study was to assess the prevalence, hematological aspects
of Bovine nematodiasis. Three main experiments were conducted to highlight the objectives of
the present research study.
The first experiment was conducted to find out the prevalence of large ruminants major
nematodes for one year. For this purpose buffalo and cattle of either sexes and between < 1 year
to > 2 years of age were selected from two sites i.e., Quetta and Qilla Abdullah. Fecal analysis of
these cattle and buffalo showed overall higher (33.99%) nematodes prevalence recorded in buffalo
in Quetta, (27.99%) in cattle at Qilla Abdullah followed by in cattle at Quetta (26.66%). Five
nematode infection was recorded in all two experimental sites with higher prevalence of
Haemonchus contortus in buffalo at Quetta and Ostertgia ostertagi in cattle at Quetta and Qilla
Abdullah. The buffalo and cattle of < 1 year presented higher nematodes prevalence than 1-2 years
and > 2 years. The female buffalo and cattle were infected with nematodes prevalence higher
than male animals. These five nematodes were prevalent almost throughout the year, however a
peak infection was recorded during August and September in cattle and October in buffalo. The
high temperature, rainfall and humidity during these months may be predisposing factor of higher
prevalence. Mostly the level of nematodes infection was low(< 800 EPG) and did not seriously
impaired the buffalo and cattle productivity.
Second experiment on assessing the comparative efficacy of anthelmintics (Levamisole,
Oxafendazole and Ivermectin) against cattle and buffalo nematodes were conducted at Govt and
private farms. The results showed that Ivermectin than Oxfendazole were found effective against
cattle and buffalo nematodes. The higher (89-100%) reduction of EPG were recorded in cattle and
87
buffalo calves treated with Ivermectin followed by Oxfendazole (86-100%), Levmisole (88-
100%).
Third experiment was conducted to determine the hematological values in healthy and
nematodes infected animals. Different hematological parameters i.e., TEC, TLC, Hb estimation,
were determined. The results showed that overall low Hemoglobin estimation and RBC were
recorded in nematodes infected animals than healthy, while higher WBC were recorded in
nematodes infected animals than healthy. The Lymphocytes and Neutrophil and Monocytes were
higher in some nematodes and lower in other, while higher mean Eosinophil counts was recorded
in all nematodes infected animals than healthy animals.