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Comparison of tick resistance of crossbred Senepol × Limousin to purebred Limousin cattle

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Abstract

The comparison of resistance to natural tick infestation by Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1887) of crossbred Senepol × Limousin and purebred Limousin cattle was investigated. The Senepol breed, originated from St Croix Island in the Caribbean is considered as a Bos taurus breed adapted to tropical conditions. Despite its B. taurus genetic background, it is believed to have a good tick resistance, but this resistance has never been assessed previously. Tick counts under natural infestation were carried out to investigate the difference of susceptibility between crossbred Senepol × Limousin and purebred Limousin cattle. Mixed-effect models were used to assess the effect of the breed on the number of ticks. Results show that Senepol × Limousin are five times less infested by ticks than purebred Limousin. These results underline the opportunity to use Senepol cattle for crossing with susceptible B. taurus breeds in tick infested areas, to combine tick resistance with beef production abilities.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien, Laboratoire de Parasitologie Animale, BP 73, 98890, Païta, New Caledonia

    Thomas Hüe & Jean-Claude Hurlin

  2. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR LOCEAN 182, UMR ESPACE-DEV 228, BPA5, 98 848, Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia

    Magali Teurlai

  3. Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, UR143, Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, Domaine Duclos, Prise d’Eau, 97170, Petit-Bourg, French West Indies, Guadeloupe

    Michel Naves

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  1. Thomas Hüe
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  2. Jean-Claude Hurlin
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Correspondence to Thomas Hüe.

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Hüe, T., Hurlin, JC., Teurlai, M. et al. Comparison of tick resistance of crossbred Senepol × Limousin to purebred Limousin cattle. Trop Anim Health Prod 46, 447–453 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0512-2

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