Studies on Host Resistance to Tick Infestations among Trypanotolerant Bos indicus Cattle Breeds in East Africa^a

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies carried out in East Africa have indicated that some Bos indicus cattle breeds such as the Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu have a degree of trypanotolerance worth exploitation by their introduction into trypanosomosis endemic areas where other cattle breeds cannot survive. However, in most areas of East Africa, trypanosomosis, ticks, and tick-borne diseases occur together. It is therefore important to obtain information on the susceptibility of these breeds to tick infestation and tick-borne diseases. This study was therefore designed to determine the susceptibility of these cattle breeds to tick infestations. They were compared with the Galana Boran (trypanosusceptible) and the Friesian (susceptible to tick infestations, tick-borne diseases, and trypanosomosis). The four breeds of cattle were exposed to natural tick challenge for a period of seven months and whole body weekly tick counts were done on each animal. Significant differences to tick infestations among the four breeds were observed. For both Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Boophilus decoloratus, susceptibility to infestation increased in the order, Maasai Zebu, Orma Boran, Galana Boran and Friesian. The results generated by this pilot study so far suggest that variation in susceptibility to tick infestations exists among the four breeds. The Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu showed greater resistance to tick-infestations than the Galana Boran and Friesian. This suggests that utilization of these trypanotolerant cattle breeds could be feasible even in the face of tick challenge and should therefore be considered when planning integrated trypanosomosis and tick control strategies.

Haematology of N’Dama and West African Short Horn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana

“…The trypanotolerant trait is generally attributed to the taurine breeds of cattle in West and Central Africa, namely, the N’Dama and the West African shorthorn (WASH) ( Hoste et al , 1992; Maganga et al , 2017; Mattioli et al , 1998; Mattioli et al , 1999; Roelants, 1986; Trail et al , 1990; Trail et al , 1994). Similar observations have been made for the Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle in East Africa ( Maichomo et al , 2005; Mwangi et al , 1998a; Mwangi et al , 1998b). Studies have shown that the basis of this trait was associated with the capacity of these animals to develop less severe anaemia in the face of infection ( Berthier et al , 2015; Mattioli et al , 1998; Murray et al , 1982; Murray & Dexter, 1988; Trail et al , 1990).…”

Breeding strategies for tick resistance in tropical cattle: a sustainable approach for tick control

“…There is uniform agreement that Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) have, on average, greater tick resistance than either European cattle (Bos taurus) or African cattle (Utech et al 1978;Madalena et al 1990;Frisch and O'Neill 1998;Mwangi et al 1998;Wambura et al 1998;da Silva et al 2007). Immunological mediators induced by tick antigens introduced into host skin contribute to the itching sensation which stimulates grooming.…”

Response of Nkedi Zebu and Ankole cattle to tick infestation and natural tick-borne, helminth and trypanosome infections in Uganda

“…Variation in resistance to tick infestation among several indigenous breeds of cattle in Africa has been reported amongst: Zebu in Kenya (Latif et al 1991a, b); Meru, Mbullu, Iringa red and crossbreds in Tanzania (Wambura et al 1998), Gobra Zebu and N'Dama cattle in The Gambia (Mattioli et al 1998); Maasai Zebu, Orma Boran and Galana Boran in Kenya (Mwangi et al 1998b), and Horro, Guraghe, Sheko and Abigar cattle in Ethiopia (Feleke et al 2007).…”