The Effect of Theileria lestoquardion the Reproductive Performance of ExperimentallyInfected Desert Sheep

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Theileria lestoquardi on the reproductive performance of Sudanese desert ewes. Thirty sudanese desert ewes were divided into three groups of 10 each. Group A (GA) was infected with Theileria lestoquardi before mating; group B (GB) was infected with Theileria lestoquardi 2-3 months after conception and group C (GC) remained as the uninfected control. GA was subjected to estrus synchronization and hand mating. Conception rate was found to be11.1% in the first mating, and increased to 33.3% and 44.4% in the second and third mating. On the other hand, GC conception rate reached 90%. In GB, three ewes aborted 20 days post infection. The gestation period was two weaks shorter in GA. The effectof infection onbody weight of the newly born lambs was shown by 30% reduction in GA and by 50% mortality rate which was statistically significant at p < 0.05. The study revealed thatthere was a statistically significance delay (p<0.05) in the first progesterone rise after delivery. The study was also concerned with the effect of Theileria lestoquardion the time of reaching puberty on the lambs. Fifteen sudanese desert lamb ewes (4-5months) were divided into two groups; group 1 (G1) consisted of 7 lamb ewes infected with Theileria lestoquardi,and group 2 (G2) remained as uninfected control. Puberty was reached 12-15 and 8-9 months in G1 and G2 respectively The study also revealed the effect of Theileria. lestoquardion

ص the haematological and biochemical picture in GA compared to GC. There was a significant decrease in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and white blood cells counts (p<0.05). There was also a significant decrease in serum total protein (p<0.05) but no significant difference in serum albumin concentration. Serum globulin values were also decreased significantly (P< 0.05). There was a statistically significance (p<0.05) increase in serum urea concentration and serum creatinine concentration. The study also reflected the changes in the heamatological and the biochemical parameters with the progress of pregnancy. The results showed that there was a decrease in the haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume in GA and GC. White blood cells count in GA only showed a significant decrease with the progress of pregnancy. Serum total protein and albumin had significantly decreased in GA and GC, while serum globulin and serum urea showed significant decrease in GC only. Creatinine concentrations decreased significantly in GA only.