The efficiency of estrus synchronization protocols and artificial insemination in the Abergelle goat on-station and on-farm conditions of Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different estrus synchronization protocols followed by artificial insemination on estrus response and the conception rate of Abergelle goats. Three estrus synchronization protocols: (i) the standard protocol associating progestogens, gonadotropins andprostaglandins (P4+ eCG + PGF2α), (ii) single injection of prostaglandin (PGFS), (iii) double injection ofprostaglandin (PGFD) were evaluated and compared to a control group that did not receive ahormonal treatment. Estrus behaviour was monitored in all does and those in estrus were inseminated. The estrous response was significantly higher in P4+ eCG + PGF2αdoes than in counter parts in PGFS and PGFD groups (p< 0.001). Results also revealed an earlier onset of estrus inthe PGFD-treated group, a longer duration of estrus for second- and third- parity -does and an earlier on set of estrus in animals having a 3.5 body condition score. Even if the conception rate (CR) washighest when using the PGFD protocol, the lowest kidding rate (KR) was obtained when using thissame treatment. The P4+ eCG + PGF protocol yielded the highest litter size. Farmers’ perception surveys revealed that a higher proportion of goat keepers used a controlled mating system and had culling practices and farmers selected PGFDas a preferred protocol

A review of goat reproduction in East and Horn of Africa

While goats are an important pillar of livestock and agriculture sectors in East and Horn of Africa, little research is being published and access to unpublished data is very difficult. This working paper attempts to review the male and female reproductive characteristics of goats in 11 countries of East and Horn of Africa (Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda), and to summarize studies that have looked at the improvement of reproductive performance of goats, and applications of reproductive biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. A section of this paper is dedicated to reviewing the main diseases affecting the reproduction of goats, and analyzing prevalence and main risk factors. This working paper is a first step to fill a gap in knowledge related to reproduction in goats. The volume and quality of information between countries varied considerably, so there are some disproportions in reporting findings and results for certain traits

Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in North Africa: a review

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The present review aimed to collect, compile and summarize the data on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans and animals in the five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from national and international databases were used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T. gondii infection in North Africa and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can also be used to propose or enhance appropriate national toxoplasmosis control programs

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analyses of Toxoplasma gondii from naturally infected sheep in Northern and Central Tunisia

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It can infect all warm-blooded vertebrate species and causes abortions and birth defects in pregnant women and pregnant ewes. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of infection with T. gondii in sheep meat in the region of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia) and Beja (northern Tunisia), the realization of a descriptive study of risk factors and the phylogenetic analyses of T. gondii. Neck muscle samples were obtained from 174 ewes and ewe lamb slaughtered in Sidi Bouzid and 150 lambs slaughtered in Beja. DNA was extracted from the samples using the Wizard® genomic DNA purification kit. A nested PCR using two pairs of primers (NN 1 and NN2, Tg-NP1 and Tg-NP2) were used to detect infection with T. gondii, which was then confirmed by sequencing. Eight T. gondii amplicons were sequenced (accession number KT896498) and deposited in GenBank. The T. gondii amplicons showed 97–100% identities with GenBank sequences. A phylogenetic tree was then constructed. The nested PCR detected T. gondii DNA in 31% of animals tested in Sidi Bouzid and 32% of lambs tested in Beja. No significant difference in the prevalence of T. gondii infection was established between the two tested regions. In both regions, no significant variation of the infection depending on age, breed and locality was found

Molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in goats’ milk and seroprevalence in Northwest Tunisia

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with high impact on human and animal health. Consumption of unpasteurized milk is a risk factor of human toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in goats’ milk in Northwest of Tunisia (Jendouba Governorate). A total number of 77 blood samples were collected from six herds were screened with a commercial ELISA kit for T. gondii antibodies. For the same goats’ samples, a nested PCR was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in milk. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 31.2% (±0.05) while the molecular prevalence of this parasite in milk was estimated to 7.8% (±0.03). A very low value of kappa showed that there is not agreement between seroprevalence and parasite prevalence in milk. These results suggest that the consumption of raw milk from naturally infected goats is a potential source of human infection. An extension programme should be implemented to decrease related to goats’ raw milk consumption

Effect of the infection with the nematode <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) on the haematological, biochemical, clinical and reproductive traits in rams

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Haemonchus contortus infection on rams’ haematological, biochemical and clinical parameters and reproductive performances. A total number of 12 Barbarine rams (control and infected) were included in the experiment. The infected group received 30 000 H. contortus third-stage larvae orally. Each ram’s ejaculate was immediately evaluated for volume, sperm cell concentration and mortality rate. At the end of the experiment (day 82 post-infection), which lasted 89 days, serial blood samples were collected in order to assess plasma testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. There was an effect of time, infection and their interaction on haematological parameters (p < 0.001). In infected rams, haematocrit, red blood cell count and haemoglobin started to decrease from 21 days post-infection. There was an effect of time and infection for albumin. For total protein, only infection had a statistically significant effect. For glucose, only time had a statistically significant effect. Concentrations were significantly lower in infected rams compared to control animals. A significant effect of infection and time on sperm concentrations and sperm mortality was observed. The effect of infection appears in time for sperm concentrations at days 69 and 76 post-infection. Sperm mortality rate was significantly higher in infected animals at day 46 post-infection when compared to control group (p < 0.05). Finally, plasma testosterone traits (average concentration, cumulated levels during the sampling period and pulse frequency) were depressed in infected rams when compared to control counterparts; none of these endocrine traits were affected for plasma LH