IMPACT OF INFECTION WITH FASCIOLA Spp. ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS IN RABBITS

Abstract

Liver fluke are common parasites of herbivores in most of Middle East countries as Egypt. The chronic and acute infections with 10 & 20 metacercaria of this parasite cause biliary liver cirrhosis in rabbits that lead to huge economic losses. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of fascioliosis in slaughtered rabbits in Giza governorate. In Egypt Fasciola gigantica was responsible for V-Line and Black Baladi rabbits total liver condemnations in infected groups. The infection impacts on female rabbits were more than males (p<.0001) in most groups for both strains. Liver condemnations due to fascioliasis were more affected in body weight and feed consumption, feed conversion, heart, kidney and carcass characterestic, so it`s low economic efficiency. Blood parametars showed high significant (p<.0001) between treated groups of strains.

Keywords

• fasciola infection
• productive performance
• carcass
• rabbits