A comparative study on of Gastrointestinal parasites in Local and Broiler fowls available in Sangli district, Maharashtra

Poultry birds. Domestic fowl and broiler are constantly in exposure of both ecto-parasites and endoparasites. The parasitic infestation badly affect the industry in various ways, low weight birds, meat with low quality in taste and nutrients, weight reduction etc. The present study shows that broiler bird is less infected by ecto-parasites and gastrointestinal; parasites as compared to domestic fowls. Among the infected ecto-parasites lice infestation is more pronounced than other. Similarly male fowl is more prone to ectoparasites than female. The same trend was observed in gastrointestinal parasites, where broiler is less affected than domestic fowl, and female is less infected than male. The study indicates that free system in domestic fowl is the reason for the heavy infestation of both the ecto and endo parasites in domestic fowl. The closed system habitat practice in domestic fowl may reduce the infestation of ecto and endo parasites in domestic fowl. A stringent action plan both form villagers and Government supporters is needed to protect the domestic fowl from parasitic infestation.