Oocysts of Eimeria spp. were isolated from feces of naturally infected sows
by conventional flotation. Saturated sodium chloride solution was superior
to zinc chloride, zinc chloride/sodium chloride or sugar solution to isola
te oocysts. Seven species, namely Eimeria scabra, E. polita, E. perminuta,
E. debliecki, E. suis, E. porci and E. spinosa, were identified. The dimens
ions of oocysts (n = 4088) and sporocysts (n = 3594) were measured with an
image analysis system; colour and shape of oocysts were estimated and trans
formed to numerical values. Olf the 4088 oocysts approximately 99% were all
ocated to the correct species by algorithms calculated on the basis of thes
e values. Rough-walled oocysts (E. scabra, E. polita, E. perminuta, E. spin
osa) could be distinguished without previous sporulation in most cases (>97
%). Smooth-walled oocysts require sporulation for further classification an
d were accurately allocated to species in at least 93% of cases. (C) 1999 E
lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.