Gastrointestinal Helminths Data of Nigerian Sheep

Title: Data on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Associated Risk Factors in Nigerian Sheep Breeds Across Agroecological Zones

Description:
This dataset supports the study titled “Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth and its Predisposing Factors in Nigerian Sheep Breeds”, which aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminth (GIH) infections in sheep across three Nigerian agroecological zones: Sudan Savannah, Northern Guinea Savannah, and Derived Savannah.

Research Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that GIH infection rates and species distribution in sheep are influenced by agroecological zone, breed, sex, age, and management practices. These interacting factors were expected to shape infection patterns and parasite diversity.

Data Collection:
Using stratified random sampling, 384 sheep were selected from six communities spanning the three ecological zones. Fecal samples were collected for parasitological analysis, and animal data (sex, age, breed, body weight, and body condition score) were recorded. Questionnaire-based surveys captured management practices, such as housing system, feed supplementation, deworming, water source, and cohabitation with other species.

Fecal samples were examined microscopically to detect eggs of Strongyles spp., Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium spp., and Coccidia. To identify patterns and reduce dimensionality in the data, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed using management, environmental, and animal health variables.

Key Variables:

Animal: sex, age, breed, body weight, BCS

Management: rearing system (intensive, semi-intensive, extensive), flock type, species cohabitation, grazing method, feed/mineral supplementation, deworming

Environment: agroecological zone, altitude, water source, and disease occurrence

Notable Findings:

Overall GIH prevalence was 61.72%

Derived Savannah had the highest infection rate; Strongyle spp. and Coccidia were most prevalent

Infection varied by breed, sex, age, and management system

Semi-intensive flocks had the highest infection prevalence

PCA highlighted management practices and environmental factors (e.g., deworming, altitude, feed type) as key drivers of infection variability

Interpretation & Use:
This dataset provides a comprehensive view of helminth infection patterns in Nigerian sheep. It supports modeling infection risk based on host traits, environment, and flock practices. It is useful for:

Identifying high-risk regions and practices for targeted GIH control

Exploring breed-specific susceptibility for selective breeding

Evaluating deworming efficacy and nutrition practices

The dataset is valuable for researchers, veterinarians, and policymakers aiming to improve small ruminant health and productivity. Users should account for ecological and seasonal variations and sample size limitations when interpreting the data.