The effect of Amblyomma variegatum on liveweight gain of cattle in Zambia |
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Authors: | R. G. PEGRAM G. P. M. OOSTERWIJK |
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Affiliation: | Economics of Ticks Project (GCP/ZAM/029/DEN), Food and Agriculture Organization, Lusaka, Zambia |
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Abstract: | Abstract. The effect of the tick Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius on liveweight gain (LWG) on yearling cattle over 16 weeks was evaluated under quasi-natural conditions. Early in the exposure period when animals may have been in a state of suppressed metabolism, the effect of tick feeding on LWG was negligible. Overall, however, the difference in LWG between tick-free and tick-infested groups of cattle was 4.95 kg after 16 weeks. This difference between the groups was used to estimate a lower LWG of 48–63 g due to each engorging female tick. |
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Keywords: | Ticks weight gain cattle metabolism host-nutrition |
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