Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Laying Birds in Ado Ekiti

Poultry production is a significant contributor to the economy of many countries, including Nigeria, with laying birds being an essential component of this industry. However, parasitic infections pose a major threat to the health and productivity of laying birds, leading to reduced egg production, increased mortality, and decreased profitability for farmers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in laying birds in Ado Ekiti. The study was conducted in Ado- Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State, located in the south-western region of Nigeria. Ten poultry farms with laying birds were sampled. Pooled faecal sample method was used to collect faecal samples from the laying birds. Fifty samples were collected. The samples were taken to the Animal Science Department laboratory for processing. The simple floatation and sedimentation techniques were used to detect the presence of gastrointestinal parasite eggs in the faeces. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in laying birds was found to be 28.85%. Three species of gastrointestinal parasites were identified, Ascaridia galli (46.67%), Heterakis gallinarum (20.00%) and Capillaria sp. (13.33%) with Ascaridia galli having the highest prevalence. Prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in Birds aged 12–15 months (50.00%), while younger birds (8–11 months) showed the lowest prevalence (16.66%) Birds on Deep litter system had the highest prevalence of parasitic infections (53.33%) than those on battery cage (18.92%).The findings of this study indicate the moderate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in laying birds in Ado Ekiti, with deep litter systems and middle-aged birds (12–15 months) showing higher susceptibility. Ascaridia galli remains the dominant parasite, emphasizing the need for better parasite control measures in poultry farms. Effective management practices, including improved sanitation, routine deworming, and enhanced biosecurity protocols, are essential to reduce the parasitic burden and improve overall poultry productivity.