Abstract:
The Gastrointestinal tract of dairy cattle is inhabited by many species of parasites. The prevalence is variable depending upon different intrinsic and extrinsic; epidemiological and biological factors. The economic losses are in the form of mortality, decreased productivity, reduced weight gain and other means affecting the industry globally. Many cattle in Badulla district are underfed during most of the time of the yearand are not supplied with adequate balanced ration. As a result, the general nutritional status of most of the cattle is in subnormal level, which greatly increases susceptibility to parasitic diseases (Blood et al., 1990). This study examines the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy cattle in Badulla district and identifies the significance of age, water source and feeding pattern.
