Authors : Mahmood A.A. , K Sidik, Khirul Anwar A , I. Salmah and Suzainur K.A.R.
Abstract: Four calves from each group of purebred Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cattle (Zebu); and halfbred, KK/Friesian were experimentally infested with 20,000 B. microplus larvae from first to fourth infestation at 2 months intervals. The level of tick resistance were assessed by the number of engorged ticks produced, weight of engorged ticks, eggs produced and the viability of the eggs. All animals developed a significant level of resistance in the subsequent infestation compared to the first infestation as manifested by a reduction in the above parameters. The average number of female ticks, weight of engorged female ticks per animal, the mean egg masses and hatchability of eggs was significantly lower (P<0.05) in purebred steers than their crosses form first to fourth infestation, indicating that purebred expressed a stronger acquired resistance to B. microplus ticks more readily than did their crosses.
Mahmood A.A. , Sidik, K , Khirul Anwar A , Salmah, I. and Suzainur K.A.R. , 2004. Effect of Malaysian Zebu Cattle (Kedah-Kelantan) and their European Crosses on the Tick Biological Parameters Following Repeated Experimental Infestations . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 3: 45-51.