An Association Between Serum Amylase Phenotype and Tick Infestation in Cattle

Abstract

Twenty-five popUlations of cattle totalling 741 animals were analysed for serum amylase type. The number of ticks (Boophilus microplus) carried by these animals had been determined on various occasions prior to blood sampling. Tick burden was regressed on phenotype within populations and it was found that animals with the Am G phenotype carried significantly more ticks than other phenotypes.