Incidence and seasonality of reproductive disease conditions in small ruminants in Nsukka area, Nigeria.

Abstract

Between 1978 and 1988 reproductive disorders were found at the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 99 (9.8%) and 8 (10.5%) of 1013 goat and 78 sheep patients, respectively. The major reproductive diseases diagnosed in goats were dystocia (49.5%), abortion (17.2%), milk fever (12.1%), and mastitis (10.1%). In sheep the main disorders were abortions (37.5%), pregnancy toxaemia (25%), and milk fever (25%). These and other reproductive disorders were generally higher in the dry season, except for dystocia and mastitis in goats. 66.7% of sheep abortions occurred in trypanosomiasis patients, 41.2% of sheep abortions were associated with small ruminant pest patients.