Study of biological and ecological features of permanent ectoparasites of cattle

Abstract

The aim of the research was to study the epizootological features of bovicolosis and sifunculatosis and to determine their biological features. Materials and methods. Eight groups of animals were examined, 15 animals in each, including cows, heifers and calves. Groups of calves consisted of 13 heifers and 17 bulls. A total of 103 females and 17 male cattle were examined. Results. During observations, it was noted that in most cases, certain species of ectoparasites were found on different animals. In the case of their simultaneous parasitism on one animal, populations occupied different parts of the host's body. The causative agents of sifunculatosis (L. vituli) and bovicolosis (B. bovis) were determined. During the study of epizootological features of sifunculatosis and bovicolosis, attention was paid to the seasonality of the invasion – the minimum intensity of the invasion was observed in the warm season, the maximum – in winter. The extent of invasion among calves reached 100 %. The biological features of ectoparasites were studied. According to the data obtained, it was determined that linognathus are greater than B. bovis at all stages of development. Egg size 0.8–0.9 mm, larvae go through all stages of molting from 0.7 mm to 3.3 mm, adults reach a size of 3.3–4.0 mm. However, the eggs of B. bovis reached 0.3–0.5 mm, the size of the larvae 0.4–1.0 mm, adults ranged from 1 mm to 1.8 mm. Conclusions. It was noted that the intensity of the infestation of bovicolosis and sifunculatosis increases in the cold season. The young are most prone to lesions.