Immunization of cattle against tick, Boophilus microplus

Two antigens, viz, tick extract supernatant antigen (TESA) and larval antigen (LA), were prepared from 10 g each of partially fed adults and unfed larvae of Boophilus microplus. Calves in 2 batches of 6 and 8 were immunized with 53 and 45 mg of protein in 3 divided doses. With enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a significant antibody (P < 0.01) and significant (P < 0.01) changes in the weight of engorged females and egg masses were noticed with both the antigens. The purification of TESA yielded 3 peaks. Whole sera showed precipitation against peak I only. In another ELISA test with peak 1(P-1) fraction of TESA, significant (P < 0.05) reaction with anti-LA sera indicated that the protective antigen (s) was common in larvae and adults of B. microplus.