IMMUNIZATION OF CATTLE WITH BOOPHILUS-MICROPLUS ADULT FEMALE AND LARVAL EXTRACTS - FEEDING, SURVIVAL AND REPRODUCTIVE-BEHAVIOR OF TICKS ON IMMUNIZED CATTLE

Cattle immunized with adult female and larval antigens of Boophilus mi croplus developed marked resistance to challenge infestation as shown by significant reduction in larval attachment, yield and weight of adu lt females, and weight of egg masses laid. Calves immunized with adult tick antigen rejected more number of adult ticks with poor reproducti ve performances, and immunization with larval antigen rejected more nu mber of larvae. Many adult female ticks recovered from calves immunize d with adult tick antigen. showed red colouration in their legs, and f ailed to reproduce or produced smaller egg masses with low hatching pe rcentage.