The influence of cattle lice (Damalinia bovis and Linognathus vituli) on weight gain in beef animals

Authors: Kettle PR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 22, Issue 1-2, pp 10-11, Jan 1974
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal production/wastage, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Growth/development, Parasites - external
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: It has been contended in the farm advisory literature that cattle lice retard weight gain in beef cattle (USDA Leaflet No. 319 (1951), USDA Farmers` Bulletin No. 909 (1940), NZDA Advisory Leaflet No. 21 (1969)). These claims are supported, to some extent, by the studies of Kemper et al (1948) and Mattysse ( 1946). However, other authors (Scharff, 1962; Utech et al 1969; Ely and Harvey, 1969) could find no evidence of an association between average daily weight gains and numbers of lice present on cattle. Two trials have been run to examine whether such a relationship applies under New Zealand conditions. Trial 1 involved mainly biting lice (Damalinia bovis) and Trial 2 mainly long-nosed suckling lice (Linognathus vituli).

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