Effect of Parasitic Infection on Reproductive Health

Efficiency of goat production is conditioned by fertility. Reproductive failure caused by infectious etiology is often identified as one of the primary causes of underperformance in livestock. This chapter summarizes how parasitic infections can adversely affect reproductive efficiency in small ruminants, especially goats. Parasitic infections such as trichostrongylosis, myiasis, mange, trypanosomosis, toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, cryptosporidiosis, and coccidiosis are the major causes that can interfere with reproductive health at large scale. The picture that emerges, although incomplete, allows the reader to investigate the current threat arising from parasitic disease and potential measures to handle some of this complex panorama.