Correlation of macro-micro mineral status with parasitic infection in captive wild carnivores of Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

The aim of this study was to correlate macro-micro mineral status with gastrointestinal parasitic (GIP) infection in wild carnivores kept in captivity in 03 Zoos of Chhattisgarh. A total of 278 faecal samples of captive wild carnivores were collected during summer and pre-monsoon and soil, water and meat samples (n=6 each) were also collected from 03 zoos to estimate the macro-micro mineral level. Faecal samples were examined by direct examination, floatation, sedimentation and McMaster method. Soil, water and meat samples were subjected to acid digestion followed by estimation using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The zoo wise prevalence of GIP reported to be 34.78%, 15.47% and 29.05% in MBZ, NVZ&S, and KPZ respectively. The macro and micro mineral level in soil, water and meat samples of 03 zoos was observed to be lower than the normal values. It was observed that macro-micro mineral level in soil, water and meat samples had significant effect on prevalence of GIP in captive carnivores under study.