Reproductive Effects of Experimental Fasciola gigantica Infection in First Trimester Pregnant Yankasa Ewes.

Abstract

The reproductive effects of Fasciola gigantica infection on course of pregnancy in first trimester Yankasa ewes aged 10-12 months were determined for a period of 7 weeks. Two week-baseline data were obtained and the ewes were synchronized for estrus using PGF2α (5mg/kg) while 2 intact rams were introduced for detection of estrus and breeding. Pregnancy was confirmed by measurement of progesterone levels (0.5 – 1.00ng/ml) and non-return to estrus 21 days post-breeding. Each of the five animals in the infected group was inoculated orally with 500 Fasciola gigantica metacercariae while the ewes in the control group were each given same volume of distil water. Eosinophilia was marked among the infected ewes and eosinophilic response was highest between weeks 4 to 7 of infection. Abortion rate of forty percent (40%) was observed among the infected animals at week 2 and 3 post-infections, respectively. Marked lower levels of progesterone were observed among the infected animals when compared to the controls. It is concluded that Fasciola gigantica has an adverse effect on course of pregnancy in Yankasa ewes during first trimester. Key words: Fasciola gigantica, course of pregnancy, abortion rate, first trimester and Yankasa ewes.