Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Chaudhary AK, Gupta JP, Chaudhari JD, Chaudhari AB, Shyma KP, Darji MV, Gor DD and Purohit PB

Abstract:
Tick infestation contributes significantly to economic losses to the cattle industry. The judicious use of acaricides and the selection of resistant animals can minimize economic losses. This study aimed to determine the anatomical distribution of ticks in cattle in the Dantiwada region of the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. This study was conducted by using a total of 116 cattle (27 Kankrej and 89 Crossbred HF cattle). Tick counts were conducted at monthly intervals under natural challenges over a 3 months period (Summer- May 2021 to July 2021). The whole cattle body was divided into three regions viz. Region-I (ear, head, neck, dewlap, and hump), Region-II (cranial limb, thorax, flank, abdomen, and navel), Region-III (rump, caudal limb, udder, crotch, and tail). Female ticks greater than 4 mm in size, present on the left side of the animal body were counted. The generalized linear model procedure of the R programme was used to analyze the data. Kankrej cattle (Mean tick count: 6.69) had a significantly lower tick count than HF cross (Mean tick count: 18.03). The region-III (rump, caudal limb, udder, crotch, and tail) had the highest mean tick number (p<0.0001) as compared to the other two regions. The tick numbers of the region-III showed a strong correlation (0.965) with the total tick count. Furthermore, predilection sites are identifies that helps in designing control methods and which parts of the cattle’s body to be covered while using ectoparasiticide chemicals. Hence, population dynamics and during hand spraying of cattle special attention should be given to the region-III and other preferable sites of attachment.