Effect of a 5% Neem Solution on the Presence of Ticks in Cattle in Two Locations in Jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of a 5% neem extract on the presence of ticks. Forty creole cattle were used, divided into four groups: 2 experimental and 2 controls, in the towns of Cocula and El Chante, Jalisco. The tick count was by direct palpation, and with an acarometer (25 cm2). Eight body regions were evaluated: neck, thorax, flank and thigh, left and right. At zero time, after the initial tick count, it was applied by spraying and once, the 5% neem extract, at a dose of 10 ml/L. Ticks were quantified at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days post-treatment. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and Sum of Kruskal-Wallis Ranges (α = 0.05) (SigmaStat 3.1). In Cocula, at zero time, the average of ticks was in neck 32, in thorax 64, in flanks 96 and in thighs 129 (average per animal 323 ticks). In subsequent sampling, the average decreased in the experimental group to 1 or 4 parasites. In “El Chante”, an average of 60 ticks was found at the time of the neck, in the thorax 121, in flanks 181 and in thighs 242 (average per animal 600 ticks). In subsequent sampling, the average decreased in the experimental group, with averages of 1 to 4. Statistical differences (p ≤ 0.001) were found between the groups. It can be concluded that 5% neem extract has a repellent and tick effect in cattle for at least 42 days.