Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in free-range Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) from Rampura Phul, Bathinda, India

The study investigated the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) using conventional parasitological examination techniques. Twenty-six faecal samples were collected from Nilgais inhabiting the forest area/nature park of Rampura Phul, District Bathinda, using the “W” pattern and analysed with standard flotation and sedimentation methods. The coprological examination revealed the presence of ciliate cysts in three faecal samples (11.54%), Moniezia spp. in two samples (7.69%), and Trichuris spp. in one sample (3.85%). This is the first report on the gastrointestinal parasitic load in the Nilgai population from Bathinda district of Punjab.