Reproductive Impacts of African Animal Trypanosomiasis in West African Dwarf Goats-Mechanistic Insights into Trypanotolerance Survival-Fertility Trade-Off: A Systematic Review

Trypanosomiasis remains a major constraint to small ruminant production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among smallholder farmers. Although WAD goats are considered trypanotolerant because of their relatively low mortality during chronic infection, recent findings show that this survival is at the expense of reproductive efficiency. To back up this claim with scientific evidence, this review followed PRISMA guidelines and systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for important studies published between January 1980 and February 2026. Search terms included African animal trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma spp., WAD goats, reproductive dysfunction, trypanotolerance, oxidative stress, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Of the 1245 retrieved articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from the included studies indicates that chronic trypanosome infection disrupts reproduction through interconnected mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine imbalance, and impaired gonadal function. Available evidence suggests that T. brucei is frequently associated with ovarian dysfunction and embryonic loss, whereas T. congolense has been linked in some studies to uterine pathology and gestational reproductive disturbances. Female goats commonly exhibit irregular oestrous cycles, embryonic loss, and prolonged kidding intervals, while males develop impaired spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm morphology, and reduced testosterone levels. These reproductive impairments reduce kid output, milk yield, herd productivity, and household livelihood resilience. Integrated control strategies combining vector control, targeted chemotherapy, nutritional support, and selective breeding are essential for preserving both fertility and survival in trypanosome-endemic areas.