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Home / Equine Research Bank / Helminthologia / The Effects of Seasonality and Group Size on Fecal Egg Count...
Helminthologia2020; 57(4); 314-321; doi: 10.2478/helm-2020-0042

The Effects of Seasonality and Group Size on Fecal Egg Counts in Wild Przewalski’s Horses (Equus Ferus Przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) in The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine During 2014 – 2018.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) with regard to group size, age, sex and body condition of wild free-roaming Przewalski's horses in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (Ukraine), across different seasons, over a five-year period (2014 - 2018). We hypothesized that horses from larger group sizes would have higher faecal egg counts (FECs). The relationship between FECs and the year and season of sample collection, and age, sex and group size of the horses was analyzed. Generalized linear model using positive strongylid FEC`s as a variable response, was used to investigate the differences in FECs between the groups. Nematode (Strondylidae, spp., Habronematidae) and cestode (Anoplocephalidae) eggs were also identified. Stronglyids were the most prevalent helminth egg, and had the highest FECs. The model for egg counts of strongylids showed that season and group size of horses were statistically significant. Presence of strongylid eggs was not dependent on age and sex of horses. We suggest that this could be a result of parasite transmission between individuals and groups in places were animals aggregate around water sources or collective farms. Results obtained in this current study broaden the knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming horses under wild natural conditions.
© 2020 K. Slivinska, D. Klich, N. Yasynetska, M. Żygowska, published by Sciendo.
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Publication Date: 2020-11-19 PubMed ID: 33364900PubMed Central: PMC7734672DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0042Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research examines the relationship between various factors like group size, age, and gender, and Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) in wild Przewalski’s horses in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone over five years, with the finding that larger group sizes and certain seasons significantly impact FECs.

Study Aim and Hypothesis

  • The primary aim of this study was to inspect the variations in Fecal Egg Counts (FEC) in wild Przewalski’s horses in relation to the group size, age, sex, and body condition across different seasons over five years (2014 – 2018).
  • One of the hypotheses of the study suggested that the Przewalski’s horses that belonged to larger groups would exhibit higher faecal egg counts (FECs).

Method and Analysis

  • The researchers analyzed the correlation between FECs and the year and season during which the sample was collected, as well as the age, sex, and group size of the horses.
  • A generalized linear model was used, with positive strongylid FECs as a response variable, to ascertain the differences in FECs across the groups.
  • Additionally, the presence of eggs from the Nematode and Cestode parasite families was identified.

Findings

  • Strongylids were determined as the most common helminth egg and held the highest FECs.
  • The investigation model for the egg counts of strongylids revealed that both the season and horse group size bore significant statistical relationships.
  • The study found that the presence of strongylid eggs was not influenced by the age and sex of the horses.

Conclusion

  • The article proposes the idea that the observed correlation could be a result of parasite transmission among individuals and groups frequenting water sources or collective farms.
  • Finally, the results garnered from this research expand the understanding of gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming horses in wild, natural conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
(2020). The Effects of Seasonality and Group Size on Fecal Egg Counts in Wild Przewalski’s Horses (Equus Ferus Przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) in The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine During 2014 – 2018. Helminthologia, 57(4), 314-321. https://doi.org/10.2478/helm-2020-0042

Publication

Helminthologia
ISSN: 0440-6605
NlmUniqueID: 0043764
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 57
Issue: 4
Pages: 314-321

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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