TRYPANOSOMOSIS AND REPRODUCTION .1. EFFECT OF TRYPANOSOMA-VIVAX INFECTION ON THE ESTROUS-CYCLE AND FERTILITY IN THE EWE

Ten West African Dwarf ewes were inoculated with Trypanosoma vivax and , at varying intervals, treated subcuratively with diminazene aceturat e to maintain the infection. Soon after infection all ewes had anoestr us for 40 to 96 days and 5 died by day 110 post infection. Compared to control animals, infected ewes had prolonged low levels of plasma pro gesterone until recovery or death. However, no gross or histological l esions were detected in the endocrine or reproductive organs. Of the s urvivors, the 5 that were aparasitaemic subsequently became pregnant a nd had normal gestations.