Alterations in Host Metabolism by the Specific and Anorectic Effects of the Cattle Tick (Boophilus Microplus) III. Metabolic Implication of Blood Volume Body Water and Carcass Composition Changes

Abstract

Plasma and red cell volumes were determined and the amounts of circulating metabolites deduced following heavy B. microplus infestation of Hereford steers fed a high quality diet. The experiment was designed to separate out effects of the cattle tick on host metabolism caused by reduced food intake ("anorectic effect"), and by other factors ("specific effect"). The specific effect caused a depression of the red cell volume and of the amounts of circulating haemoglobin, albumin, and total cholesterol and increases in the amount of circulating globulin. Anorectic effects were not significant.