Comparative Study of Poultry Coccidial Infection under Different Management Systems among Individual Farm Holders in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 to assess the prevalence of coccidial infection and identify potential risk factors among poultry farms operating under different management systems in the Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 103 randomly selected chickens were analyzed using flotation techniques to detect coccidial oocysts. The overall prevalence of coccidial infection was found to be 27.2%, with significant variation observed across different management systems. The lowest infection rate was recorded in the FUNAAB Intensive system at 11.8% (4/34), with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.200 (95% CI: 0.058-0.693). The Isolu Semi-Intensive system showed a prevalence of 29.4% (10/34), with an OR of 0.625 (95% CI: 0.230-1.700). The highest infection rate was in the Oluwo Extensive system, with 40.0% (14/35) of chickens infected, serving as the reference group. Chi-square analysis (X² = 7.073, p = 0.029) indicated a statistically significant difference in infection rates among these systems. The study highlights that poultry raised under extensive management systems have a higher risk 40.0% (14/35) of coccidial infection, semi-intensive 29.4% (10/34) compared to those in and intensive systems 11.8% (4/34). Factors such as age and management practices significantly influenced infection rates, with younger birds in poorly managed systems being more susceptible. These findings underscore the need for improved and regular health monitoring to reduce infection risks. To mitigate the impact of coccidial infections, poultry farmers should adopt improved sanitation, controlled feeding practices, and routine deworming programs. Intensive and semi-intensive farming systems should be encouraged due to their lower infection rates. Additionally, further research should explore vaccination strategies and sustainable coccidiosis control measures tailored to local poultry farming conditions.