Growth and Mortality in Sheep and Goats under High Tsetse Challenge in Kenya

Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock production and economic development in those areas of Africa where it is endemic. Although small ruminants appear to perform better than cattle in various agro-ecological zones, the importance of trypanosomosis has not been extensively investigated in these livestock. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of trypanosomosis in sheep and goats in an endemic area and to evaluate the performance of different breeds under high tsetse challenge and the potential role of chemoprophylaxis in the control of the disease. The results showed that tsetse flies feed readily on small ruminants, and that these animals are susceptible to trypanosomosis. The Small East African goats acquired fewer infections than the Black Head Persian and Dorper sheep used in the study. In both sheep and goats, chemoprophylaxis with isometamidium chloride (Samorin, Rhone Merieux, Annecy, France) was protective, resulting in fewer infections and higher body weight gain. Trypanosomosis caused anaemia in both sheep and goats, and animals whose PCV fell below 15% rarely recovered, even with trypanocidal drug treatment. The peak transmission period was between 1 and 3 months after the peak tsetse fly density, which raises the possibility of effective strategic prophylaxis.     

Financial Implications of Rearing Sheep and Goats under Natural Trypanosomosis Challenge at Galana Ranch,Kenya

A study to compare the profitability of rearing sheep and goats under natural trypanosomosis challenge was carried out on Galana ranch in south-eastern Kenya between July 1996 and October 1997. Seventy-nine male weaner sheep and 79 male weaner goats were monitored monthly for weight changes and fortnightly for trypanosomosis. The animals of each species were divided into two groups. Group 1 was an untreated control, while group 2 was treated with isometamidium chloride (Samorin) at 0.5 mg/kg body weight every 3 months. In both groups, trypanosome infections were detected by microscopy and treated with diminazene aceturate (Veriben), at 3.5 mg/kg body weight, when the packed cell volume reached 17% or below. The profitability of each drug regime was expressed as the marginal revenue over the cost of trypanosomosis (MOT). There were greater losses occasioned by trypanosomosis in sheep than in goats. Animals of both species on chemoprophylaxis gave higher MOT values than those that received chemotherapy on diagnosis. However, the MOT values for the chemoprophylactic regime were higher for sheep than for goats, suggesting that the greater weight gain by sheep more then compensated for the higher cost of maintaining them under high trypanosomosis challenge. Thus, a Galana rancher would be better off keeping sheep rather than goats, other things being equal. The marginal revenue per dose of Samorin was lower than that of Veriben for both species, suggesting that strategic use of Samorin timed to precede the peak incidence of trypanosomosis might be a better option to raise the overall profitability in sheep and goats.     

Health and productivity of traditionally managed Djallonke sheep and West African dwarf goats under high and moderate trypanosomosis risk.

Trypanosome infections, packed red cell volume levels (PCV), body weight and nematode faecal egg counts of village-based small ruminants were monitored in two areas in The Gambia with either moderate or high trypanosomosis risk for 24 and 30 months respectively. Outflows from the flock and new-born animals were recorded and data on housing and management were compiled. Reported mortality rates were higher in goats than in sheep, but for both species highest in the moderate risk area. The peak of trypanosome infections lagged the peak of tsetse densities by 1-3 months in both areas. Trypanosoma vivax was the predominant species found in the infected animals, followed by T. congolense. Trypanosome prevalence was, in general, higher in sheep than in goats but only significantly higher during Year 1 in the moderate risk area. Trypanosome infection reduced the PCV level significantly and seasonal effects indicated significantly lower PCV levels during the rains. Trypanosome infection significantly depressed weight gain in both species at periods where infection rates were highest. In both species considerably lower weight gains were observed during the rainy season. Abortion rates were higher in goats than in sheep in both study sites, and highest in the high-risk site. Trypanosome infection in ewes in the high risk area increased lamb mortality significantly but had no effect on birth weights, nor on growth rates up to 4 months. Offspring mortality up to 4 months was generally high at both sites. Trypanosome infection in the dam between 3.5 to 7 months post parturition significantly increased parturition interval in both species. Peak faecal egg output occurred at the end of the rainy season and was highest for both species in the moderate risk site. Poor grazing management was found responsible for a seasonal nutritional constraint. Based on these results, these breeds of sheep and goats can be considered as trypanotolerant since they are able to remain productive under high and moderate levels of trypanosome challenge. Nevertheless, trypanosomosis affected their health and production level as shown by reduced PCV levels, depressed weight gains, longer parturition intervals and higher lamb mortality. In addition, during the rains, helminth infections and poor management leading to nutritional constraints had also a negative impact on health and production and therefore influenced the innate resilience to trypanosomosis in those indigenous breeds. Adaptations in management may have an equal impact as certain disease control measures to improve biological and economical returns from small ruminants in tsetse infested rural areas.     

Trypanocidal drug resistance in eastern province of Zambia

A survey to investigate resistance to drugs used in the treatment of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in the eastern province of Zambia between 1996 and 1998. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts (Petauke, Katete, Lundazi) at 34 village sampling sites selected at random from villages that had shown greater than 6% prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis during an earlier survey. A longitudinal study was conducted in same three districts over a 1-year period. The study sites were chosen from the cross-sectional study and included eight sites showing high trypanosomosis prevalence and where no control activities were recorded. Use was made of parasitological methods, tests of resistance in cattle and mice and isometamidium-ELISA. Overall mean prevalence of trypanosomosis was 14.4, with 96% of infections caused by Trypanosoma congolense. The remainder was caused by Trypanosoma vivax (2%) and Trypanosoma brucei (2%). Tests in mice showed that of the stabilates collected, 24 (34%) were resistant to only isometamidium chloride, 8 (11.3%) were resistant to only diminazene aceturate, 1 (1.4%) was resistant to both drugs, and 38 (53.5%) were sensitive to both drugs. At least 2 out of 27 stabilates tested in cattle appeared to be resistant to trypanocidal drugs, 1 to isometamidium and 1 to diminazene. Isometamidium could be detected in only 63 (4.1%) of 1526 serum samples from cattle in the study. Only 6 (2.8%) of 212 serum samples from trypanosome-infected cattle had serum levels of the drug above 0.4 ng isometamidium per ml serum which is indicative for drug resistance in the infecting parasite population. Although some drug resistance is apparent, diminazene aceturate and isometamidium chloride can still be expected to be effective as a sanative pair in this area in most cases, since not more than 1 stabilate of 71 investigated showed evidence of resistance to both drugs.     

Response of Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma congolense in zebu cattle in North Cameroon to prophylactic treatment with two formulations of isometamidium

We tested the efficacy of two formulations of isometamidium in a tsetse-infested farm in North Cameroon from 20 August 2000 to 5 January 2001. A total of 90 adult cattle were used in three groups of 30 each corresponding to two treated and one untreated control. Drug efficacies were evaluated in terms of reduction of parasite incidence in the host's blood, maintenance of packed-cell volume (PCV) and weight gains. Both drugs reduced the incidence of parasites even though re-infections 2 weeks after treatment were common. PCV values were similar in both treated groups but higher than in the untreated control. Body weight changes followed a similar trend with the control losing weight from a mean of 427+/-119kg at the beginning to 398+/-93kg in 4 months. Weights increased from 375+/-76 and 396+/-110 to 396+/-69 and 418+/-112kg in the Veridium and Trypamidium groups, respectively. Efficacy was similar between the two formulations of isometamidium in the prophylaxis of bovine trypanosomosis. However, the presence of parasites in some animals barely 2 weeks after treatment suggested that either infections were not cleared or residual drug effects were not sufficient to prevent re-infections.     

The economic effects of trypanosomiasis in sheep and goats at a range research station in Kenya

A study on the economic effects of naturally acquired trypanosomiasis in sheep and goats over a period of 35 weeks under range conditions in the Kiboko area of Kenya indicated that the financial loss from reduced weight gain and death amounted to 36.2 and 62.9 Kenya shillings per head for goats and sheep respectively. This was derived from the weight loss through death together with the reduced weight gain of the survivors compared with treated animals. The study also compared the efficacy of 3 drug regimes in goats and suggests that although quinapyramine (prophylactic) B.vet.C. provided the longest protective period, the weight increase of the stock under isometamidium chloride treatment was higher. The benefits of the drugs used are discussed.     

Protective efficacy of isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate against natural Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax infections in cattle under a suppressed tsetse population in Uganda

The protective efficacy of isometamidium chloride (ISMM) and diminazene aceturate (DIM) against Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax infections in cattle under a suppressed tsetse population was assessed in southeast Uganda. A total of 66 and 57 trypanosome-infected cattle were treated with ISMM and DIM, respectively together with 177 trypanosome-free animals not treated were followed for 12 months, checked every 4 weeks. There was no statistical difference in the mean time to infection with any trypanosome species in animals treated with ISMM or DIM. However, the mean time to trypanosome infection was significantly longer for treated animals than controls. The mean time to infection with each of the three trypanosome species differed significantly, with the average time to T. vivax infection the lowest, followed by T. congolense and then T. brucei. The protective efficacy of DIM was as good as that of ISMM; implying curative treatments against trypanosomosis are sufficient for combination with tsetse control. Isometamidium chloride or DIM had the highest impact on T. brucei and T. congolense infections in cattle.     

Knowledge and attitudes of cattle owners regarding trypanosomosis control in tsetse-infested areas of Uganda

A pilot survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in Tororo and Busia districts of Uganda on the knowledge and attitudes of cattle owners regarding tsetse fly and trypanosomosis control, in order to understand factors that hindered their full participation. A total of 81 cattle owners was randomly selected and interviewed, of which 92.5% were aware of tsetse flies and trypanosomosis and 87.6% recognised animal trypanosomosis as a problem in the area. Most cattle owners were aware of tsetse fly trapping (76.5%), isometamidium chloride use (55.5%), diminazene aceturate use (48%) and pour-on applications (18.5%). However, knowledge did not coincide with the application of control measures. Despite the widespread awareness, tsetse fly trapping and pour-on applications were used by only a small percentage of cattle owners (7.5% applied tsetse fly trapping while 76.5% were aware of it; 1.2% applied pour-on insecticides while 18.5% were aware of them). Differences between awareness and application were highly significant for tsetse fly trapping (chi2 = 67.8, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001) and pour-on applications (chi2 = 10.8, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05), but not for isometamidium chloride use (chi2 = 0.08, d.f. = 1, P = 0.77) and diminazene aceturate use (chi2 = 0.00, d.f. = 1, P = 1.00). Most cattle owners (97.5%) were willing to participate in future control programmes, but preferred participating on a group basis (85.2%) rather than individually (14.8%). The 4 most favoured control options in order of importance were: fly traps supplied by the government and maintained by cattle owners; contribution of labour by cattle owners for trap deployment; self-financing of trypanocidal drugs and self-financing of pour-on insecticide. The control options that should be selected in order to elicit full participation by cattle owners are discussed.     

Isometamidium chloride prophylaxis against Trypanosoma congolense challenge and the development of immune responses in Boran cattle

Twenty-four Boran cattle were injected with isometamidium chloride (1 mg/kg bodyweight) to investigate the duration of drug-induced prophylaxis against infection by metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma congolense and to determine if specific antibody responses to the organism were mounted by animals under chemoprophylactic cover. Complete protection against either single challenge by five tsetse flies infected with T congolense, or repeated challenge at monthly intervals by five tsetse flies, lasted for five months. Six months after treatment, two-thirds of the cattle were resistant to challenge, irrespective of whether subjected to single or multiple challenge with trypanosome-infected tsetse flies, or titrated doses of in vitro-cultured metacyclic forms of T congolense (5 X 10(2) to 5 X 10(5) organisms), inoculated intradermally. No animal which resisted infection developed detectable skin reactions at the site of deposition of metacyclic trypanosomes or produced trypanosome-specific antibodies. It was concluded that drug residues effectively limited trypanosome multiplication at the site of deposition in the skin, thus preventing subsequent parasitaemia or priming of the host's immune response.     

The susceptibility of Trypanosoma congolense isolated in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, to isometamidium chloride, diminazene aceturate and homidium chloride

Resistance to trypanocidal drugs has been detected in various African countries and is a serious impediment to the control of livestock trypanosomosis. To determine whether drug resistant trypanosome strains are present in the Zambézia Province of Mozambique a study was initiated. To assess the effect of the farming system and the drug-use regimen on the development of drug resistance, trypanosome isolates were collected from cattle from subsistence and commercial livestock production systems. The susceptibility of seven isolates against isometamidium chloride, diminazene aceturate and homidium chloride was tested in mice using a multiple-dose test. In four of the seven isolates high levels of drug resistance to diminazene aceturate and isometamidium chloride were detected. In most cases the observed levels of drug resistance correlated with the drug-use practices in the particular livestock production system.     

Therapeutic and prophylactic activity of isometamidium chloride in Boran cattle against Trypanosoma vivax transmitted by Glossina morsitans centralis

Ten Boran steers were infected with Trypanosoma vivax, transmitted by Glossina morsitans centralis; five steers with a T vivax clone from Nigeria and five with a T vivax clone from Kenya. Eleven days after infection all 10 animals were treated with 0.5 mg kg-1 isometamidium chloride. Four steers infected with the Nigerian T vivax and all five infected with the Kenyan T vivax were completely cured. When different steers received a single prophylactic dose of 0.5 mg kg-1 isometamidium chloride and subjected to monthly tsetse-transmitted challenge with the same T vivax clones, complete protection was afforded for at least two months against challenge with the Nigerian T vivax, but for less than one month against the Kenyan T vivax. The findings indicate that the level of sensitivity of a T vivax population to the prophylactic activity of isometamidium chloride cannot be concluded from sensitivity studies based on the therapeutic action of the drug.     

Use of estrone sulfate determination in goat blood for the detection of pregnancy and prediction of fetal number]

The study was carried out on 50 goats of Polish White breed. Blood samples were taken on day 60 after mating from V. jugularis. Pregnancy diagnosis was made using transcutan ultrasound scanning (Pie Medical Scanner 2000 with a 5 MHz curved array probe). The estrone sulphate level was determined by RIA method after extraction and hydrolysis with arylsulphatase/glucuronidase from Helix pomatia. As a threshold value for differentiation of pregnant from nonpregnant goats 1 ng/ml was assumed. In eight nonpregnant goats the estrone sulphate level was 0.61 +/- 0.21 ng/ml. In 42 pregnant goats the level was 6.1 +/- 3.5 ng/ml. The diagnosis was correct in all cases. The number of single, twin and triplet pregnancies was six, 34 and two, respectively. Estrone values in goats with twin pregnancies were significantly higher compared to those with single pregnancies (7.2 +/- 4.1 ng/ml vs. 4.5 +/- 1.8 ng/ml; p < or = 0.01). The results of this study indicate, that the determination of estrone sulphate in blood of goats may be useful for pregnancy diagnosis. The estrone sulphate level in goats with twins is higher, but due to high variation between animals the number of fetuses cannot be exactly predicted.     

Pharmacokinetics of moxidectin and doramectin in goats.

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of doramectin after a single subcutaneous administration and moxidectin following a single subcutaneous or oral drench were studied in goats at a dosage of 0.2 mg kg(-1). The drug plasma concentration-time data were analysed by compartmental pharmacokinetics and non-compartmental methods. Maximum plasma concentrations of moxidectin were attained earlier and to a greater extent than doramectin (shorter t(max) and greater C(max) and AUC than doramectin). MRT of doramectin (4.91 +/- 0.07 days) was also significantly shorter than that of moxidectin (12.43 +/- 1.28 days). Then, the exposure of animals to doramectin in comparison with moxidectin was significantly shorter. The apparent absorption rate of moxidectin was not significantly different after oral and subcutaneous administration but the extent of absorption, reflected in the peak concentration (C(max)) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), of the subcutaneous injection (24.27 +/- 1.99 ng ml(-1) and 136.72 +/- 7.35 ng d ml(-1) respectively) was significantly greater than that of the oral administration (15.53 +/- 1.27 ng ml(-1) and 36.72 +/- 4.05 ng d ml(-1) respectively). The mean residence time (MRT) of moxidectin didn't differ significantly when administered orally or subcutaneously. Therefore low oral bioavailability and the early emergence of resistance in this minor species may be related. These results deserve to be correlated with efficacy studies for refining dosage requirements of endectocides in this species.     

Estimation of tsetse challenge and its relationship with trypanosomosis incidence in cattle kept under pastoral production systems in Kenya

In an on-farm trial conducted amongst the Maasai pastoralists in Nkuruman and Nkineji areas of Kenya between April 2004 and August 2005 designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a synthetic tsetse repellent technology, we assessed the relationship between tsetse challenge and trypanosomosis incidence in cattle. Six villages were used in each area. Each of these villages had a sentinel cattle herd that was screened for trypanosomosis on monthly basis using buffy coat technique. Animals found infected at each sampling were treated with diminazene aceturate at 7 mg kg(-1) body weight. Treatments administered by the owners over the sampling intervals were recorded as well. Tsetse flies were trapped at the time of sampling using baited stationary traps and apparent tsetse density estimated as flies per trap per day (FTD). A fixed proportion (10%) of the flies was dissected and their infection status determined through microscopy. Blood meals were also collected from some of the flies and their sources identified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tsetse challenge was obtained as a product of tsetse density, trypanosome prevalence and the proportion of blood meals obtained from cattle. This variable was transformed using logarithmic function and fitted as an independent factor in a Poisson model that had trypanosomosis incidence in the sentinel cattle as the outcome of interest. The mean trypanosomosis incidence in the sentinel group of cattle was 7.2 and 10.2% in Nkuruman and Nkineji, respectively. Glossina pallidipes was the most prevalent tsetse species in Nkuruman while G. swynnertoni was prevalent in Nkineji. The proportions of tsetse that had mature infections in the respective areas were 0.6 and 4.2%. Most tsetse (28%) sampled in Nkuruman had blood meals from warthogs while most of those sampled in Nkineji (30%) had blood meals from cattle. A statistically significant association between tsetse challenge and trypanosomosis incidence was obtained only in Nkuruman when data was pooled and analyzed at the area but not at the village-level. In the later scenario, lagging tsetse challenge by 1 month improved the strength but not the significance of the association. These findings show that when the spatial unit of analysis in observational studies or on-farm trials is small, for instance a village, it may not be possible to demonstrate a statistically significant association between tsetse challenge and trypanosomosis incidence in livestock so as to effectively control for tsetse challenge.     

Disposition kinetics of tylosin administered intravenously and intramuscularly in desert sheep and Nubian goats

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of tylosin was compared in five Desert sheep and five Nubian goats. The animals were given a single dose of 20% tylosin (15 mg/kg), either intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.). Following i.v. administration, the volumes of distribution and the elimination half-life times were similar in both species, whereas in goats a greater volume of the central compartment and faster clearance were observed. For the i.m. route, similar pharmacokinetics were observed in both species. The bioavailability (f) of the drug in goats (0.84 +/- 0.11) was not significantly higher than that in sheep (0.73 +/- 0.08). The present study has shown that, despite the significant differences in some of the drug pharmacokinetic parameters between sheep and goats for the i.v. route, identical intravenous and intramuscular dosage regimens of tylosin may be recommended for the two species.     

Demonstration of erythrophagocytosis in Trypanosoma congolense-infected goats

Anaemia is the most prominent clinical sign of trypanosomosis in domestic animals but little is known about its pathogenesis. This work investigated erythrophagocytosis as the possible cause of anaemia. Pathogenic Trypanosoma congolense (IL3000) was intravenously inoculated into six goats at 3x10(6) trypanosomes per goat. Six other goats were maintained as controls. The infection was studied for 10 weeks and parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and serum protein levels were determined. The amount of erythrophagocytosis was determined from the amount of 51Cr-labelled red blood cells (RBCs) phagocytosed by self mononuclear cells (MNCs) in vitro and by microscopically counting phagocytosed RBCs on Giemsa stained smears of incubated mixtures of RBCs and self MNCs. The infection resulted in trypanosomosis with rapid progressive anaemia and mean peaks of parasitaemia of about 3x10(3)ml(-1). In infected goats, a significant (P<0.05) mean reduction in PCV (of 37-22%) was observed starting from about 20 days up to 56 days post-infection. Within this same phase, significant (P<0.05) differences in mean radioactivity counts of (51)Cr incorporated into MNCs were observed with infected goats' samples having counts 50% higher than the control goats' samples. Microscopically, the mean number of phagocytosed RBCs in infected goats' MNCs was noted to be 80% higher (P<0.05) than that of control goats. Appreciable increases (P<0.05) in mean serum globulin levels, from 3.5 to 4.7g/dl, were observed within 3 weeks of infection. The study showed that erythrophagocytosis is an important mechanism leading to anaemia in the pathophysiology of T. congolense infection in Zambian goats.     

Factors associated with persistence of African animal trypanosomiasis in Lango subregion,northern Uganda

African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) continues to inflict heavy losses on livestock production especially cattle in terms of decreased production and productivity in Uganda. AAT is a disease complex caused by tsetse fly-transmitted Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma vivax. The disease is most important in cattle but also known to cause serious losses in pigs, camels, goats, and sheep. Several control measures including live bait technology, mass treatment of cattle with trypanocidal drugs, and deployment of tsetse traps have been used in the past 10 years, but the problem still persists in some areas. This necessitated an exploration of the factors associated with continued trypanosome infections in cattle, which are also known reservoirs for the zoonotic trypanosomiasis. A structured questionnaire was administered to 286 animal owners from 20 villages purposively selected from Lira, Kole, and Alebtong districts of Lango subregion to obtain information on the factors associated with persistence of infection. Over 50% of the respondents reported trypanosomiasis as a major challenge to their livestock. Land ownership (P = 0.029), type of livestock kept (P = 0.000), disease control strategy employed (P = 0.000), source of drugs (P = 0.046), and drug preparation (P = 0.017) were associated with persistent AAT infection. We recommend continued farmer sensitization on the threat of AAT and the available prevention and control options. The use of isometamidium chloride for prophylaxis against trypanosomiasis is highly recommended. There is also a need to foster qualified private veterinary drug supply in the region.

     

Impact of Tsetse Control on the Age-specific Prevalence of Trypanosomosis in Village Cattle in Southeast Uganda

The prevalence of trypanosomosis, mean packed cell volume and anti-trypanosomal antibody levels in village cattle of different age groups (<0.5 year, 0.5–2 years, >2–5 years and >5 years) in the areas with tsetse control were compared with those of corresponding age groups in areas without tsetse control in Tororo, southeast Uganda. The prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle in the age groups of 0.5–2 years, >2–5 years and >5 years in the areas with tsetse control was significantly lower than in cattle in similar age groups in the areas without tsetse control (p<0.5). Trypanosoma vivax was the most predominant Trypanosoma species in the areas with tsetse control, while T. congolense was the most predominant species in the areas without tsetse control. The mean Trypanosoma antibody levels in cattle in the age groups <0.5 year, 0.5–2 years and >2–5 years in the areas with tsetse control were significantly lower than those of the similar age groups in the areas without tsetse control (p<0.5). The mean PCV values for cattle in the age groups 0.5–2 years, >2–5 years and >5 years from the areas with tsetse control were significantly higher than those of the similar age groups in the areas without tsetse control. Tsetse control appeared to have a considerable impact on the prevalence of trypanosomosis, distribution of Trypanosoma species, specific antibody levels and the packed cell volume of cattle in the different age groups.     

Synchronization of Ovulation and Fixed Time Intrauterine Insemination in Ewes

A novel method for oestrus-ovulation synchronization in sheep followed by fixed time insemination is presented herewith. Mature dry ewes (n = 28) of Karagouniko breed being at an unknown stage of the oestrous cycle, were used during the middle of breeding season. The treatment protocol consisted of an initial administration of a GnRH analogue followed 5 days later by a prostaglandin F2alpha injection. Thirty-six hours later a second GnRH injection was administered to synchronize ovulation, and laparoscopic intrauterine insemination was performed 12-14 h later. Three days after insemination, fertile rams were introduced into the flock twice daily and oestrus-mating detection was carried out. For progesterone (P(4)) determination, blood samples were collected on alternate days, starting 2 days before the first GnRH injection and continuing for 17 days after insemination. An additional sample was taken on the day of insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by trans-abdominal ultrasonography. Fourteen ewes (50%) conceived at insemination and maintained pregnancy; from the remainder 14 ewes 10 became pregnant at natural service, while four, although they mated at least two to three times, failed to conceive. In response to the first GnRH, P(4) concentration increased at higher levels in ewes that conceived at AI compared with those that failed to conceive (47.54 and 22.44%, respectively; p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean P(4) concentration between pregnant and non-pregnant animals were detected 1 day before AI (0.17 +/- 0.06 and 0.26 +/- 0.14 ng/ml, respectively) on the day of AI (0.15 +/- 0.04 and 0.24 +/- 0.08 ng/ml, respectively) as well as 9 and 11 days thereafter (0.48 +/- 0.12 and 0.38 +/- 0.12 ng/ml; 0.68 +/- 0.14 and 0.50 +/- 0.18 ng/ml, respectively). These results indicate that using the proposed protocol, an acceptable conception rate can be achieved which could be further improved by modifying the time intervals between interventions.     

Isometamidium in goats: disposition kinetics, mammary excretion and tissue residues

The pharmacokinetics of the antitrypanosomal drug isometamidium were studied in lactating goats after intravenous and intramuscular administration at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight, in a crossover design at an interval of 6 weeks. Following intravenous administration, the half-life of the disappearance of the drug from plasma during the terminal phase was 3.2 h, and the mean residence time was 2.4 h. The apparent volume of distribution averaged 1.52 l/kg, and the mean total body clearance was 0.308 l/kg/h. After intramuscular administration, the absolute bioavailability was low, averaging 27%. This was consistent with a low mean maximum concentration of 24 ng/ml which occurred after 6 h. No drug was detectable (less than 10 ng/ml) in milk samples collected over a period of 14 days following drug administration by either the intravenous or intramuscular route. In tissues analysed when the goats were killed 6 weeks after administration of the second dose, no drug was detectable (less than 0.4 micrograms/g wet tissue) in the liver, kidney and muscle. However, at the injection site, drug concentrations varied from less than 0.4 to 18.8 micrograms/g wet tissue.