EFFECTS OF TRYPANOSOME AND HELMINTH INFECTIONS ON HEALTH AND PRODUCTION PARAMETERS OF VILLAGE-NDAMA CATTLE IN THE GAMBIA

The effects of trypanosome and helminth infections on health and produ ction parameters in 2000 village N'Dama cattle were assessed periodica lly. Blood examination showed Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma v ivax to be prevalent, while strongylid-type eggs were those most frequ ently encountered in faecal samples. A distinct seasonal fluctuation w as detected for both blood levels of trypanosomes and helminth egg out put. Strongylid burden and trypanosome infection had significant negat ive effects on packed red cell volume levels and body weights mainly i n animals of 2-3 years old. Clear indications of an increased suscepti bility to trypanosomosis were found in animals affected by helminths. Similarly, animals infected with trypanosomes were more frequently inf ested with strongyles and egg counts were higher than in cattle in whi ch no trypanosomes were detected.