Regular monitoring of endoparasites

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 10 views

Types and Prevalence of Endoparasites at Sambar Deer Fesses (Cervus Unicolor) and Leti Axis (Axis-Axis) at the Deer Breeding of the University of North Sumatra

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra's deer breeding program is a significant initiative in the conservation and management of deer populations. However, the presence of endoparasites in deer feces can pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of these animals. Endoparasites are internal parasites that can cause a range of health problems, including weight loss, digestive disorders, and even death if left untreated. In this study, we aimed to identify the types and measure the prevalence of endoparasites in sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and spotted deer (Axis-axis) at the University of North Sumatra's deer breeding program.

Methods

The study was conducted during the period of July to August 2017. A total of 15 sambar deer feces and 7 spotted deer feces were collected and analyzed using the sedimentation method with the help of glass beads. The samples were then examined for the presence of endoparasites.

Results

The results of the study showed that in the sambar deer stool, one type of endoparasite, Paramphistomum sp., was found at a prevalence of 100% with an average infection intensity of 39.6. In contrast, the prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in spotted deer was 71.42% with an intensity of 37.4. Additionally, the prevalence of Trichuris sp. in spotted deer was 14.28% with an intensity of 2.

Discussion

The existence of endoparasites in deer feces is not only important for individual animal health but also has implications for captivity and conservation management. Endoparasitic infections can cause various health problems in deer, including weight loss, digestive disorders, and even death if the infection is not treated properly. Therefore, monitoring and management of endoparasites must be an integral part of the practice of animal maintenance in captivity.

The high prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in sambar deer suggests that this species may be more susceptible to infection than spotted deer. This can be caused by various factors, including differences in habitats, eating patterns, or immune systems that are different between the two species. In addition, the high level of infection intensity can be an indicator that the breeding deer in captivity must get more attention in health management.

On the other hand, the lower prevalence of Trichuris sp. in spotted deer may indicate that this species has a better defense mechanism or may not be exposed to the same risk factors as the sambar deer. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between the type of endoparasite and environmental factors and behaviors that contribute to their distribution.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of data-based approaches in breeding animal management. Knowledge of the type and prevalence of endoparasites can help captivity managers in taking preventive steps needed to maintain the health and welfare of the existing deer population. Therefore, it is essential for conservation institutions to continue to conduct research and monitoring of animal health regularly.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of endoparasites: Regular monitoring of endoparasites in deer feces should be conducted to identify the types and prevalence of endoparasites.
Development of health management plans: Health management plans should be developed to prevent and control endoparasitic infections in deer.
Improvement of animal husbandry practices: Animal husbandry practices should be improved to reduce the risk of endoparasitic infections.
Further research: Further research is needed to understand the relationship between the type of endoparasite and environmental factors and behaviors that contribute to their distribution.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was small, which may not be representative of the entire deer population.
Limited geographic scope: The study was conducted in a single location, which may not be representative of other locations.
Limited time frame: The study was conducted over a short period, which may not be representative of the entire year.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase sample size: Increase the sample size to make the results more representative of the entire deer population.
Conduct studies in different locations: Conduct studies in different locations to make the results more representative of other locations.
Conduct long-term studies: Conduct long-term studies to understand the dynamics of endoparasitic infections in deer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of data-based approaches in breeding animal management. Knowledge of the type and prevalence of endoparasites can help captivity managers in taking preventive steps needed to maintain the health and welfare of the existing deer population. Therefore, it is essential for conservation institutions to continue to conduct research and monitoring of animal health regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Endoparasites in Sambar Deer and Spotted Deer

Q: What are endoparasites?

A: Endoparasites are internal parasites that live inside the body of a host animal, such as a deer. They can cause a range of health problems, including weight loss, digestive disorders, and even death if left untreated.

Q: What types of endoparasites were found in this study?

A: The study found two types of endoparasites: Paramphistomum sp. and Trichuris sp.

Q: What is the prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in sambar deer?

A: The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in sambar deer was 100% with an average infection intensity of 39.6.

Q: What is the prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in spotted deer?

A: The prevalence of Paramphistomum sp. in spotted deer was 71.42% with an intensity of 37.4.

Q: What is the prevalence of Trichuris sp. in spotted deer?

A: The prevalence of Trichuris sp. in spotted deer was 14.28% with an intensity of 2.

Q: Why is it important to monitor endoparasites in deer?

A: Monitoring endoparasites in deer is important because it can help prevent and control endoparasitic infections, which can cause a range of health problems, including weight loss, digestive disorders, and even death if left untreated.

Q: What can be done to prevent and control endoparasitic infections in deer?

A: To prevent and control endoparasitic infections in deer, regular monitoring of endoparasites should be conducted, health management plans should be developed, animal husbandry practices should be improved, and further research should be conducted to understand the relationship between the type of endoparasite and environmental factors and behaviors that contribute to their distribution.

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: Some limitations of this study include a small sample size, limited geographic scope, and limited time frame.

Q: What are some future directions for research on endoparasites in deer?

A: Future studies should aim to increase sample size, conduct studies in different locations, and conduct long-term studies to understand the dynamics of endoparasitic infections in deer.

Q: Why is it important for conservation institutions to conduct research and monitoring of animal health regularly?

A: It is essential for conservation institutions to conduct research and monitoring of animal health regularly because it can help prevent and control diseases, improve animal welfare, and inform conservation and management decisions.

Q: What can be done to improve animal husbandry practices in deer breeding programs?

A: To improve animal husbandry practices in deer breeding programs, regular monitoring of animal health, development of health management plans, and improvement of animal care and management practices should be implemented.

Q: What is the significance of this study for deer breeding programs?

A: This study highlights the importance of data-based approaches in breeding animal management and provides valuable information for deer breeding programs to improve animal health and welfare.