THE COCCIDIAN SPECIES PARASITIZING THE DOMESTIC GOAT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nine fully recognized and described species of coccidia in goats and also one species not previously described are identified. Size shape, colour, sporulation time, morphology of unsporulated oocysts were the criteria for species identification 30 out of 36 faecal sample were positive form single or mixed infections with 3 samples being pure infections of single species. The unidentified species has a low occurrence and probably is not of importance in clinical coccidiosis in goats. The sporulation time for different species is found to be directly related to the size of the oocysts. As most species sporulate within 48 hours, daily removal of faecal materials form goat pens is recommended