Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Jalan Puncak Dieng, Kalisongo, Dau District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia 65151
2
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya
Abstract
Background: Eimeria spp. is a protozoan disease commonly affecting sheep worldwide and has a significant impact on the economic aspects of sheep farming.
Objectives: This study evaluated the correlation between Oocysts Per Gram (OPG), risk factors, hematological parameters, and blood chemistry level in sheep raised in highlands of Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia.
Methods: A total of 151 fecal samples from clinically symptomatic sheep (low body condition score, dull wool, weakness, sunken eyes) were examined qualitatively (sedimentation, flotation, sporulation) and quantitatively (McMaster method), then categorized as light, moderate, and heavy infection. Blood samples from 35 infected sheep were analyzed for hematology and blood chemistry using ABX Micros 60 and ABX Pentra C200 analyzer. Potential risk factors identified in this study included gender, body condition score (BCS), age, density, ambient temperature, humidity, and light intensity. Data were processed using Chi Square to determine risk factors, while Pearson and Spearman test to determine the correlation between the severity of infestation and blood parameters using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 at a 95% confidence level.
Results: The risk factor analysis indicated that none of the evaluated parameters (gender, BCS, age, density, ambient temperature, humidity, light intensity) were significantly associated with the occurrence of Eimeria spp. infection in sheep. Result also showed no significant correlation between OPG and blood biochemical parameters (albumin, globulin, cholesterol, AST, ALT, glucose, bilirubin, total protein; P > 0.05). However, OPG significantly affected hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between OPG and other hematological parameters (leukocytes, erythrocytes, hematocrit, platelets, MCV, MCH, MCHC).
Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that sex, BCS, age, stocking density, temperature, humidity, and light exposure do not play a significant role in the prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection among fat-tailed sheep in highlands of Malang. Meanwhile, Eimeria spp. infection showed a significant effect only on hemoglobin levels.
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