Economic impact of gastrointestinal nematodosis in goat on meat production

A field study involving 30 goats in the age group of 3–6 months and a second lot of 30 goats in > 6–12 months age naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (EPG > 300) was conducted for estimating the economic loss due to gastrointestinal nematodosis. Fifteen goats of both the age groups were allowed to harbour the infection, whereas other 15 goats of each group were given anthelmentic treatment. Body weight of all the goats under study were recorded at monthly interval for 12 months and the net loss in terms of rupees was calculated taking into account of final difference of mean body weight between the infected and parasite free groups, dressing per centage of goats (45.7%), cost of treatment per goat and the average rate per kilogram of goat meat (Rs. 140.00) in West Bengal. The mean loss of body weight due to gastrointestinal nematodoses were 2.70 kg and 2.90 kg with a net loss of 1.234 kg and 1.325 kg meat production in 3–6 months and > 6–12 months age group, respectively. The cost of treatment were Rs. 14.67 and Rs. 18.26 during the entire study period for 3–6 months and >6–12 months age groups, respectively and the resulting economic loss for the above two groups were Rs. 158.09 and Rs. 167.24, respectively.