Ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and livestock production: effect of varying acaricide treatments on ticks and productivity in east coast fever-immunized weaner and dairy cattle.

In a pilot trial to evaluate cost-effective methods of acaricide application, east coast fever-immunized weaner and dairy cattle were subjected to varying tick control regimens. All experimental cattle were maintained under the same extensive system of management. Their monthly tick load, packed cell volumes, incidence of blood protozoans, weight changes, and daily milk production were noted. Apart from Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann, other tick species found in the study site were R. pulchellus Gerstacker, Amblyomma gemma Donitz, Boophilus decoloratus Koch, and A. variegatum F. The control group under a weekly regimen of dipping had fewer ticks than each of the other groups for both weaner and dairy cattle. However, the percentage of increase in weight of the weaner cattle was least for the control group. The milk production of none of the groups was significantly different from that of the control group, although profit per animal for groups maintained under a monthly or six-weekly regimen of acaricide use was highest. The age of the experimental dairy cattle was found not to have any effect on their milk production. It is suggested that with successful immunization against east coast fever, both dairy and weaner cattle may be subjected to reduced dipping or spraying, the level of relaxation being dependent on the tick challenge. However, similar studies should be carried out in as many agroecological zones as possible using different breeds of cattle. Information on the level of acaricide residues in livestock products from different farming systems should also be generated. Only then can a definitive recommendation for a change from the present national intensive dipping policy be made.