Potential importance of sheep and goats in areas affected by trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Although, trypanosomiasis has a world-wide distribution, it assumes its main importance in Africa where the disease is difficult to control because of its transmission by the tsetse flies. The disease is economically more important in cattle than in any other domestic animal species. Certain breeds of cattle are less affected than others in that they are trypanotolerant. With the use of trypanosomal drugs, raising of trypanotolerant breeds of cattle could be a viable enterprise in the tsetse belt.

Certain breeds of sheep and goats also seem to possess trypanotolerance and have potential value in trypanosomiasis area. The mechanism of this trypanotolerance is not known, but it is possible that it is the same as for cattle. Sheep and goats have an additional advantage over cattle in that they are less attractive to tsetse flies.

Sheep and goat production allows a faster turn-over of capital because of higher fertility, multiple births and short generation interval. Their small size and low individual value bring them within the reach of people of the low income groups.

To make better use of sheep and goats, there must be good management systems. Good local breeds should be selected and these could be crossbred with the high-yielding exotic breeds. There should be also good grazing systems and proper stocking rates. The disease control programmes should include control of trypanosomiasis and other intercurrent diseases. If these factors are given adequate attention, it should be possible to obtain considerable benefits from sheep and goats in trypanosomiasis affected areas.