Cattle tick differentiates between the odors of Holstein Friesian and Nelore cattle

Abstract

Although Rhipicephalus microplus mainly parasitizes bovines, different breeds can have variable parasite burdens, with indian breeds being less susceptible to tick infestation than european breeds. These ticks use pasture questing to seek out their hosts in the open spaces of their grassland habitats. Using an olfactometer bioassay, where the larva could express questing, the authors aimed to answer whether R. microplus exhibit different behaviors depending on the bovine breed. Sixteen larvae were individually exposed to the odors of five holstein friesian cattle, five nelore cattle, hexane (negative control) and 2-nitrophenol (positive control). The highest questing responses were observed to 2-nitrophenol and holstein odors. The lowest response was observed to the solvent and was statistically similar to nelore odors. It is possible to conclude that R. microplus express different questing behaviors depending on the odor of the breed perceived. This behavior can help R. microplus to avoid parasitizing nelore bovines and is biologically advantageous for the tick because it is known that ticks that feed on this host have impaired development.