Impact of strategic control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus on the productive indices of breeding herds in Formosa Argentina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30972/vet.3719048Keywords:
Pregnancy rate, pregnancy-to-weaning losses, strategic control, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusAbstract
The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is the most significant ectoparasite affecting cattle production in northeastern Argentina (NEA), as it negatively impacts both animal productivity and health. This study evaluated the implementation of a strategic tick control program in a breeding herd in Formosa Province and its effect on productive performance indices. A total of 120 cows were monitored and assigned to two experimental groups: Group I (treated) and Group II (control). The treated group received a therapeutic regimen consisting of 2.5% fluazuron, 3.15% ivermectin, and 1% fipronil. Which were maintained under similar pasture conditions throughout the study period (198 days). Tick control efficacy exceeded 90%, except on days 54 and 167 (83% and 79.5%, respectively). Significant differences in tick burden were observed between groups (p≤0.05). In the treated group, the pregnancy-to-weaning loss rate was 5%, and the pregnancy rate reached 84.7%. The findings indicate that the application of a strategic control program did not result in productivity losses associated with animal handling or corral movements, while effectively reducing parasitic losses and contributing to the sustainability of cattle production in the region.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Patricia Andrea Zimmer, Viviana Daniela Gómez, Facundo Menéndez, Victoria Rossner
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