Effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on the reproductive performance of West African Dwarf goats

Abstract

Thirty-six West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used to assess the effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on their reproductive system. Estrous cycles were synchronised and when confirmed pregnant ( n=31), the does were randomly allocated into control and trypanosome-infected groups. After infection, the animals were carefully observed till parturition. Trypanosome infection caused an increase of rectal temperature, a significant drop in PCV (infected: 23.3±0.3%; control: 28.5±0.4%; P<0.0001) and abortions in 27.8% of the infected does. Kids born from infected does had a lower birth weight than kids born from control goats (0.9±0.1 kg versus 1.6±0.1 kg; P<0.0001). Eight out of 13 kids (61.5%) that were born alive from infected does died during their first week of life. Plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and progesterone concentrations were lower in the infected animals than in the controls. In general, PAG concentration in does which aborted dropped before abortion. Our results revealed that artificial T. congolense infection affected reproductive performance of WAD goats with abortions, premature births and perinatal losses being observed. Neither transplacental transmission of T. congolense nor histopathological lesions of the placenta could be demonstrated.