Abstract:
Changes in serum gamma globulin levels, numbers of replete female ticks and engorged tick
mass were used as parameters to monitor the acquired immune response (antibody mediated
immune response) elicited by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adult tick infestations. Three
consecutive Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adult tick infestations were applied to South African
Indigenous goats (Nguni), Saanen goats and cross-bred goats (Saanen goats crossed with South
African Indigenous goats [Nguni]) under laboratory conditions. During the three consecutive
Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adult tick infestations the serum gamma globulin levels increased
in all three breeds, whilst the mean replete female tick numbers and engorged tick mass
decreased. Even though all three goat breeds exhibited an acquired immune response, the
South African Indigenous goats (Nguni) response was significantly higher than that of the
Saanen and cross-bred goats. However, the acquired immune response elicited by Saanen
goats was significantly lower when compared with cross-bred goats.
