Haematological and biochemical changes associated with lungworm infections in indigenous pigs in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Haematological parameters were estimated in eighty uninfected and eighty Lungworms infected indigenous pigs slaughtered in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.  The mean packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count were 42.68%; 12.34g% and 7.77 x 10⁶ cu mm in infected pigs respectively.

      There was a significant difference in the white blood cell count of the non-infected group with mean values of 16.06 x 10³ cu mm in infected pigs.  The fibrinogen value for non-infected and infected were 0.87gm% and 0.41gm% respectively.  Albumin-globulin ratio was 0.53 and 0.30 for non-infected and infected respectively.

      Lungworm infection is associated with anaemia, low serum protein and serum sodium values and hence low productivity of domestic pigs.  Routine de-worming and raising of pigs on concrete floors limits access to earthworm, the intermediate host of lungworm.  These exercises are therefore recommended.  The results obtained in this study might be useful for the diagnosis, treatment and control of the lungworm infection.