Bovine haemoglobin types and their possible relationship to resistance to babesiosis: an experimental study

Abstract

Two groups of Droughtmaster cattle, one group previously infected, were challenged with Babesia argentina infected erythrocytes. All animals were typed for haemoglobin and the course of infection followed by regular parasite counts. No conclusive relationship between the frequencies of the HbA and HbB genes and the severity of parasitaemia in the different groups was found. The presence of HbF was not associated with any limitations on the severity of infection in 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 months calves.