Effects of Tick Infestation on Milk Yield, Blood Biochemistry, Hematology, and the Overall Health of Dairy Cows

Tick infestation represents a significant constraint on livestock productivity in Saudi Arabia; however, there remains a substantial gap in research addressing tick species diversity, distribution, and their direct effects on milk production. This study aimed to morphologically and molecularly identify tick species infesting dairy cattle, quantify the impact of tick infestation on milk yield and composition, and contribute to the limited understanding of tick ecology and its economic implications in the region. Ticks were collected from infested cows and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys. Molecular identification was performed via PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Milk production and quality parameters were assessed in tick-infested and healthy cows in Hafar Al-Batin, Eastern Saudi Arabia. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed Hyalomma anatolicum as the predominant tick species in the study area, with COI sequences showing high similarity to regional isolates. Tick-infested cows exhibited substantial reductions in milk yield, fat, calcium, and potassium levels, indicating significant metabolic disruptions. Blood biochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased by 238.6%, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) by 155.7%], renal markers [creatinine increased by 788.9%, urea by 130.0%], and electrolyte imbalances [serum calcium decreased by 39.5%, potassium by 45.2%]. Hematological findings included increased white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts by 44.9% and 124.7%, respectively, along with a 53.1% decrease in hemoglobin (HGB), suggesting a systemic inflammatory response and possible anemia. This study is among the first to genetically confirm the presence of H. anatolicum in Hafar Al-Batin using molecular tools, thereby enhancing the accuracy of species-level identification and highlighting the physiological impact of tick burden on dairy productivity.