A Review of Open Grazing Practices and their Roles in the Epidemiology and Control of Intestinal Helminthiasis in Cattle in Nigeria

Abstract

Open grazing, a traditional cattle management practice, allows herders to guide cattle across open land, providing access to diverse forages, grasses, and legumes. However, this practice is linked to an increased risk of intestinal helminth infections, a persistent health challenge in regions reliant on open grazing. This narrative review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed articles, reports, and relevant literature to explore the impact of open grazing on the epidemiology of intestinal helminths in cattle. It highlights current knowledge, challenges, and gaps, particularly regarding control measures, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to reduce helminth infections in cattle managed under open grazing systems.