2.5. Data and sample collection
Data on the age, sex, breed, body condition score and herd size were collected. The age was grouped into < 2, 3-5 and > 5years according to Yugudu et al., 2018. Male and female cattle were randomly selected without any preference. The breeds of cattle sampled included White Fulani, Bokolo and Crossbreed. The body condition was scored as lean, moderate and good as previously described by Adedipe et al. (2014). Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum into properly labelled sterile universal bottles. The faecal samples were kept in a cool box with ice packs after collection and during transport to the laboratory.