Occurrence and diversity of coccidia in indigenous, Saanen and crossbred goats in South Africa

Occurrence and diversity of Eimeria species in two groups of indigenous Sou th African goats kept under traditional management systems, as well as in a mixed herd of Saanen, indigenous and crossbred gears kept under an intensi ve management system were examined. Infection rates ranged from 88.7 ro 100 % in the various groups. Mean OPC of immature goats (<1 year old) exceeded thar of adult goats at all three sites. There was no consistent difference between adult OPG counts at the three sites. Under the intensive system, ad ult crossbred goats had significantly higher OPG counts than adult Saanen o r indigenous goats. Overall, OPG counts of immature goats were significantl y higher during the dry season (winter) than during the wet season (summer) . Ten Eimeria species were identified, Eimeria arloingi being the most prev alent species at all three sites, followed by Eimeria hirci. Up to seven Ei meria species were recovered from individual specimens. (C) 1999 Elsevier S cience B.V. All rights reserved.