Diagnóstico coproparasitológico de jacarés (caiman Latirostris daudin, 1802) criados comercialmente no estado do Rio de Janeiro

The aim of this study was to carry out a qualitative diagnosis of parasite genera in fecal samples from alligators (Caiman latirostris Daudin, 1802) commercially raised (farming system) in Rio de Janeiro state, during the period of 2008 to 2009. Initially, 480 samples were collected, being 300 from closed farming system (150 young animals, 80 fattening and 70 reproducing animals) and 180 from opened system (100 fattening and 80 reproducing animals). Samples were analysed for fecal floating (Willis-Mollay method) and simple sedimentation (Lutz method), according to methodology described by Hoffman (1987) and observed by light microscopy. Results showed presence of oocysts from genera Eimeria and Isospora and eggs from Acanthostomum, Balantidium, Capillaria, Dujardinascaris and Strongyloides. Statistically, a higher parasitism was observed by coccids in both analysed systems. In conclusion, parasitism found in commercially raised animals occurs due to factors as stress and feeding and parasitism may occur through matrices and reproducers from breeding regions.