Incidence of gastrointestinal helminths in dairy heifers aged 6 to 12 months in the city of Medianeira, Paraná

Abstract

Gastrointestinal helminths are among the main etiological agents that affect the development of cattle herds, increase the mortality rate of animals and generate economic losses for farmers. This study aims to identify the incidence of helminth eggs in dairy heifers from 6 to 12 months of age, in the municipality of Medianeira, state of Paraná. The twelve properties were chosen at random. Samples from 61 animals were collected and examined using the OPG technique, eggs per gram of feces. Producers answered a questionnaire regarding the treatment and protocol of everting. Of the 61 samples collected, 28 (45.9%) were negative for the presence of eggs and 33 samples (54.1%) were positive for the presence of eggs. Seven of the farms used Doramectin in the evergreening of heifers, three farms used Ripercol, only one farm used Endazol, and one of them had never deverminated young animals. The data obtained show that the number of vermifuges per year justifies the number of eggs found in the feces and the positive samples for gastroenteric parasitism. The properties that performed the management of eventuation six times a year, obtained animals free of helminth eggs.