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.