Parasites in free-range chickens system in Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian poultry industry is one of the most important pillars of national economy. It is considered the second important producer and broiler exporter of the world. With the increasing development of the poultry industry, this reflects increasing concern over environmental issues in intensive poultry. In particular, problems with the use of chemical control and also an increasing market for products perceived as healthy and concern for animal welfare. The increasing number of free-range chickens will give rise to a resurgence in parasitic problems. In contrast to conventional poultry farms, the free-range chickens are more affected by several parasites. Because the nom-chemotherapeutic control and the hen must have access to outdoor yards thereby creating a natural environment for transmission of parasite infections. Platyhelminth use intermediate host such as arthropods and earthworms. Eggs and larva of geohelminths develop best outdoor yards because shaded place. Avian coccidiosis is still considered one of the main parasitism intestinal systems, not only in the poultry industry but also in the free-range system. The enteritis caused by Coccidia results in diarrhoea, haemorrhage and bad performance. This review shows the importance of parasites in free-range chickens system. Rather it will touch briefly on control measures and the pathological aspects.