In tropical regions, bovine infestation by ticks causes a drastic reduction in milk and meat yield, leading in some cases, to the death of animals. Chemicals have been typically used to combat ticks, however, this strategy leads to the contamination of milk and meat products in addition to the environment. The genetic variability between Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds for tick resistance and the currently available molecular genetics tools make it possible to use this information in breeding

Status: Completed     Start date: 01/07/2008