A Comparison of the Prevalence of the Parasites of the Digestive Tract in Goats from Organic and Conventional Farms

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The presence of gastrointestinal parasites such as coccidia (protozoa), gastrointestinal nematodes, flukes, and tapeworms are a considerable problem in goat keeping. Parasitic infections cause a deterioration of animal health, delay in growth rate, weight loss, reduced milk production, and miscarriages. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections observed in the digestive tracts of goats kept on organic and conventional farms. Our findings indicate that conventional goat herds demonstrate a similar prevalence of parasitic diseases as organic herds. Nevertheless, the prophylactic programs used to combat parasitic infections in both types of farms appear ineffective and require improvement. There is a need for goat herds to be covered by ongoing parasitological monitoring, including parasitological testing before and after the pasture season, to detect carriers and shedders of parasite eggs, oocysts, and cysts. It is also recommended that keepers employ rotational or intensive rotational grazing methods and take care to ensure the hygiene of animal quarters and livestock rooms. Furthermore, accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections, as well as effective monitoring and prophylaxis, are essential for keeping goat herds free from parasitic infections. ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats kept on organic (n = 76) and conventional farms (n = 82). In general, a higher prevalence of some gastrointestinal parasitic infections was found in the conventional farms compared to the organic farms: the mean prevalence of Eimeria spp. was 85.4% in conventional farms and 77.6% in organic farms, that of Fasciola hepatica was 6.10% in conventional farms and 2.63% in organic farms, and that of Moniezia expansa was 31.7% and 17.1%, in conventional and organic farms, respectively. Both farm types demonstrated a similar mean prevalence of nematodes (80.3 vs. 84.2%). Conventional farms demonstrated a significantly higher intensity of infection with E. arloingi, Haemonchus spp., Nematodirus spp. and Moniezia expansa compared to organic farms. They also demonstrated a higher intensity of infection with Eimeria spp. than organic farms. The prophylactic programs used to combat parasitic infections in both types of farms appear ineffective and require improvement. There is a need for goat herds to be covered by ongoing parasitological monitoring. It is also recommended that keepers employ rotational or intensive rotational grazing methods and take care to ensure the hygiene of animal quarters and livestock rooms.