Biochemical Composition of Moniezia sp. (Anoplocephalidae) from Deccani Sheep (Ovis aries) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India
Shrikant Shivaji Ayanar *
Department of Zoology, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College, Pravaranagar, Loni, Taluka Rahata, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra – 413713, India.
Rajendra Rakhamaji Dandwate
Arts, Commerce & Science College, Sonai, Taluka Newasa, Dist. Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cestode parasites are one of the most significant health burdens affecting Deccani sheep in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra. This study includes the biochemical analysis of the total protein, glycogen, and lipid levels in whole cestode parasites (Moniezia sp.) that were taken from naturally infected Deccani sheep (Ovis aries) in the Ahilyanagar district. The research provides essential understanding of the nutritional requirements and metabolic functions of the parasites, probably helping in the development of effective control measures. The results showed that the parasite's biochemistry and the host's intestinal tissues were very different. Moniezia sp. had more lipids (12.58 mg/g) than either normal host intestinal tissues (11.64 mg/g) or infected host intestinal tissues (11.05 mg/g). But the parasite had less protein and glycogen than the host's intestine. These findings indicate active lipid accumulation by the parasite and its dependence on the host’s energy reserves for survival and growth.
Keywords: Biochemistry, cestode parasites, Moniezia sp., Deccani sheep, Ahilyanagar.