African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (20), pp. 2324-2327, 18 October 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of topical application of neem seed (Azadiracta indica) extract on sheep infested with Amblyomma variegatum

Makeri, H. K.¹, Maikai, V. A.¹ and Nok, J. A.²

¹College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, P. M. B. 2134, Mando – Kaduna, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ambrosev2003@yahoo.com.

Accepted 18 June, 2007

The effect of topical application of neem seed extract on sheep infested with tick Ablyomma variegatum was examined for acaricidal and repellant activity. The seed extract showed acaricidal activity at 5.0, 2.5 and 1.0% concentration in vitro. The extract had no acaricidal activity in vivo. However, it showed a repellant activity against ticks at 5.0 and 2.5% concentration. The activity of the extract seems to be concentration dependent. The extract appears to have some potentials as a repellant or antifeedant and could provide an inexpensive integrated pest management resource for farmers.

Key words: Acaricidal, repellant, ticks.