Effect of Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on milk production of dairy buffaloes (Bos bubalus bubalis) of Punjab (Pakistan)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate economic losses in terms of milk production caused by tick infestation in dairy buffaloes (Bos bubalus bubalis) of Punjab (Pakistan). To this end, six hundred Nili-Ravi buffaloes infested with Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were selected and divided into two equal groups viz; A & B. The animals of group A were treated with various doses of 5% cypermethrine pour-on (Cipermetriven, Ivan Labs, Spain) while those of group B were treated with propylene glycol (Propandiol - (1, 2), Merck) as a sham treatment. Average milk production (L) and butter fat (%) was recorded before and after treatment in order to calculate post-treatment increase in these parameters (if any). An average daily increase of 1.15L in milk yield per animal with 1.31% more fat was observed in acaricide- treated animals. A dose-dependent effect of acaricide was found on the number of ticks as well as milk production and fat. The results provided a baseline data for further research on economic impact of tick nuisance to the smallholder dairy farming systems of Pakistan.