Gastrointestinal Helminths Data of Nigerian Sheep
Description
Title: Data on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Associated Risk Factors in Nigerian Sheep Breeds Across Agroecological Zones Description: This dataset supports the study titled “Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth and its Predisposing Factors in Nigerian Sheep Breeds”, which aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminth (GIH) infections in sheep across three Nigerian agroecological zones: Sudan Savannah, Northern Guinea Savannah, and Derived Savannah. Research Hypothesis: We hypothesized that GIH infection rates and species distribution in sheep are influenced by agroecological zone, breed, sex, age, and management practices. These interacting factors were expected to shape infection patterns and parasite diversity. Data Collection: Using stratified random sampling, 384 sheep were selected from six communities spanning the three ecological zones. Fecal samples were collected for parasitological analysis, and animal data (sex, age, breed, body weight, and body condition score) were recorded. Questionnaire-based surveys captured management practices, such as housing system, feed supplementation, deworming, water source, and cohabitation with other species. Fecal samples were examined microscopically to detect eggs of Strongyles spp., Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium spp., and Coccidia. To identify patterns and reduce dimensionality in the data, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed using management, environmental, and animal health variables. Key Variables: Animal: sex, age, breed, body weight, BCS Management: rearing system (intensive, semi-intensive, extensive), flock type, species cohabitation, grazing method, feed/mineral supplementation, deworming Environment: agroecological zone, altitude, water source, and disease occurrence Notable Findings: Overall GIH prevalence was 61.72% Derived Savannah had the highest infection rate; Strongyle spp. and Coccidia were most prevalent Infection varied by breed, sex, age, and management system Semi-intensive flocks had the highest infection prevalence PCA highlighted management practices and environmental factors (e.g., deworming, altitude, feed type) as key drivers of infection variability Interpretation & Use: This dataset provides a comprehensive view of helminth infection patterns in Nigerian sheep. It supports modeling infection risk based on host traits, environment, and flock practices. It is useful for: Identifying high-risk regions and practices for targeted GIH control Exploring breed-specific susceptibility for selective breeding Evaluating deworming efficacy and nutrition practices The dataset is valuable for researchers, veterinarians, and policymakers aiming to improve small ruminant health and productivity. Users should account for ecological and seasonal variations and sample size limitations when interpreting the data.
Files
Steps to reproduce
Data Collection and Methodology Overview This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) and their associated risk factors in Nigerian sheep across three agroecological zones: Sudan Savannah, Northern Guinea Savannah, and Derived Savannah. A total of 384 sheep were sampled from six communities across Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Bauchi, Osun, and Ogun States. Sampling Design A stratified random sampling technique was used. States were selected based on ecological representation. In each state, a Local Government Area (LGA) and two communities were chosen based on sheep population density. Sheep were selected from household, farm, and nomadic flocks using a triangulation method that ensured coverage across age groups, sex, and management systems. Sample Collection Fecal samples were collected rectally using sterile disposable gloves and stored in sterile plastic bottles containing 10% formalin as a preservative. A minimum of 2g of feces per sheep was collected. Samples were immediately placed in cool boxes (at ~4°C) and transported to the Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for analysis. Animal Metadata Each sampled sheep was assessed for: Age: categorized as lamb (≤1 year), young (>1–<2 years), and adult (≥2 years), determined by farmer interview and incisor eruption pattern Sex and Breed: recorded at sampling Body Weight and Body Condition Score (BCS) were also documented Management & Environmental Data Structured questionnaires were administered to flock owners to gather data on: Flock type, housing system, grazing method Use of supplementary feed, multivitamins, mineral blocks Water source and disease history Deworming frequency, method, and drugs used Laboratory Analysis Fecal samples were analyzed using standard flotation and sedimentation techniques under light microscopy to identify GIH eggs. Parasites identified include Strongyles spp., Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium spp., and Coccidia. Statistical Analysis Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SAS software version 9.0. PROC TABLE was used to calculate GIH prevalence Chi-square tests assessed associations between risk factors and infection rates Principal Component Analysis (PROC PCA) identified clusters of related variables to highlight key risk drivers Ethics Approval The study protocol was approved by the ABU Committee on Animal Use and Care (ABUCAUC), and all procedures followed institutional guidelines for animal handling. Reproducibility Notes To reproduce this study, researchers should: Follow similar stratified sampling across ecological zones Use standard fecal collection and preservation in formalin Perform parasitological examination using flotation/sedimentation methods Apply consistent animal metadata and questionnaire frameworks Use SAS or comparable statistical software for prevalence and PCA analysis
Institutions
- Ahmadu Bello University Faculty of Agriculture