Parasitical dynamics of berne in beef cattle. I. Incidence as related to the decubitus

Abstract

Nodules of berne (parasitic stage of Dermatobia hominis L. Jr. 1781) were counted on both sides of the body of Canchim (3/8 charolais + 3/8 zebu) cattle. Analyses of variance showed significant difference of parasitic intensity according to the decubitus. Incidence was greater on the left side of the animal (14.2 nodules) as compared to the right side (10.5 nodules). Significant difference (P < 0.001) was found to the preference of decubitus sternum-lateral side for resting. Out of 2,630 animals observed, 1,183 were resting on the left side, while 1,447 were resting on the right side, showing that, eventualy, there is more exposure of the left side of the body. This fact might be the responsible for a higher incidence of nodules in this side of the body.