AGE-RELATED DISTRIBUTION DYNAMICS OF EIMERIA SPECIES PARASITES INDOMESTIC CHICKENS IN THE JULFA DISTRICT OF THE NAKHCHIVAN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC

Abstract

In studies conducted in the Julfa region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the prevalence of Eimeria species in domestic chickens raised on special farms in various natural geographical areas (lowland, foothills, and mountains) was examined in relation to age. Since the age of chickens directly affects the course of parasitic diseases and the intensity of infection, the effect of this factor is particularly important. For this purpose, 402 fecal samples collected from chickens of different age groups between 2021 and 2024 were examined under laboratory conditions, and morphological analyses revealed differences in the distribution of E. tenella, E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. praecox, E. mitis, E. necatrix, and E. brunetti species according to age groups. It was determined that the infection level was higher in chickens aged 0-3 and 4-7 months, especially in the foothills of the region. The results obtained during the study show that the age of chickens plays an important role in the spread of Eimeria species. These results are of great importance in terms of establishing effective control and prevention strategies in the region.