The effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on late pregnancy and postpartum return to cyclicity in Boran cattle

Abstract

A study was designed to examine the effect of infection with Trypanosoma vivax KETRI 2501 on the maintenance of pregnancy and postpartum return to reproductive function in susceptible Galana (n= 6) and trypano-tolerant Orma Boran (n= 6) heifers during the third trimester of pregnancy. Of the 12 study animals, 3 Galana and 3 Orma Boran heifers served as controls. One of 3 Galana heifers calved prematurely with subsequent perinatal loss. Of the 2 heifers that produced live calves, 1 calf died shortly after birth, while the other survived. Two of 3 Orma heifers calved prematurely and all 3 calves died shortly after birth. The 6 control heifers produced live calves at term, all of which survived. Infection with T. vivax during the third trimester of pregnancy delayed the resumption of ovarian activity after calving, with the Ormas taking a significantly (P< 0.05) shorter time from calving to …