PARASITOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN A BIOFERTILIZER LAGOON FROM THE ANAEROBIC BIODIGESTION OF BOVINE FAECES

Abstract

Brazil has the largest commercial herd of cattle in the world, including dairy cattle raised in confinement, where there is a higher concentration of animals and, consequently, a high production of waste. When managed incorrectly, this waste can cause environmental problems and spread parasitic diseases. Anaerobic biodigestion in biodigesters has emerged as a sustainable alternative for treating cattle waste, enabling the generation of by-products with high energy (biogas) and nutritional (biofertilizer) value. The aim of this study was to carry out parasitological research on biofertilizer from the anaerobic biodigestion of cattle waste, using direct microscopy and the modified Bailenger method. Analysis of the biofertilizer samples revealed the presence of Toxocara vitulorum and Oesophagostomum radiatum eggs. The modified Bailenger method was standardized in the laboratory with good sensitivity, low cost and easy to perform.