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.标题：《尼日利亚不同农业生态区绵羊品种胃肠道蠕虫感染率及相关危险因素数据集》 描述： 本数据集支撑题为《尼日利亚绵羊胃肠道蠕虫感染及其易感危险因素》的研究，该研究旨在评估尼日利亚三大农业生态区（苏丹稀树草原、北几内亚稀树草原及衍生稀树草原）内绵羊胃肠道蠕虫（Gastrointestinal Helminth, GIH）感染的流行率及其相关危险因素。 研究假设： 研究认为，绵羊的胃肠道蠕虫感染率与虫种分布受农业生态区、品种、性别、年龄及养殖管理措施的共同影响，这些交互因素将共同塑造感染模式与寄生虫多样性。 数据采集： 采用分层随机抽样方法，从覆盖三大生态区的6个社区中选取384只绵羊。研究人员收集绵羊粪便样本用于寄生虫学检测，并记录其性别、年龄、品种、体重及体况评分等动物相关数据；同时通过问卷调查收集养殖管理信息，涵盖饲养系统、饲料补充方案、驱虫措施、水源类型及与其他物种混养情况等。 粪便样本经显微镜镜检，以检测圆线虫属（Strongyles spp.）、类圆线虫属（Strongyloides spp.）、莫尼茨绦虫属（Moniezia spp.）、双腔吸虫属（Dicrocoelium spp.）及球虫（Coccidia）的虫卵。为识别数据潜在模式并降低维度，研究基于管理、环境及动物健康变量开展主成分分析（Principal Component Analysis, PCA）。 核心变量： 1. 动物相关变量：性别、年龄、品种、体重、体况评分（Body Condition Score, BCS） 2. 管理相关变量：饲养系统（集约化、半集约化、粗放式）、畜群类型、物种混养情况、放牧方式、饲料/矿物质补充方案、驱虫措施 3. 环境相关变量：农业生态区、海拔、水源类型及疾病发生情况 主要研究结果： - 胃肠道蠕虫总感染率为61.72% - 衍生稀树草原的感染率最高，圆线虫属与球虫为最常见的感染虫种 - 感染率因绵羊品种、性别、年龄及养殖系统的不同而存在差异 - 半集约化养殖畜群的感染率最高 - 主成分分析结果显示，养殖管理措施与环境因素（如驱虫措施、海拔、饲料类型）是感染变异的关键驱动因素 解读与应用： 本数据集全面呈现了尼日利亚绵羊的蠕虫感染模式，可用于构建基于宿主特征、环境条件及畜群管理措施的感染风险模型。其适用场景包括： 1. 识别高风险区域与高风险管理方式，以开展针对性的胃肠道蠕虫防控工作 2. 探索不同绵羊品种的易感性差异，用于开展选择性育种 3. 评估驱虫效果与营养管理措施的有效性 本数据集对致力于提升小型反刍动物健康水平与生产性能的研究人员、兽医及政策制定者具有重要应用价值。使用者在解读数据时，应充分考虑生态与季节变异以及样本量限制带来的影响。