Activation of several key components of the epidermal differentiation pathway in cattle following infestation with the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and the diseases it transmits pose a persistent threat to tropical beef production. Genetic selection of host resistance has become the method of choice for non-chemical control of cattle tick. Previous studies have suggested that larval stages are most susceptible to host resistance mechanisms.

Exploring the midgut proteome of partially fed female cattle tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus).

The continued development of effective anti-tick vaccines remains the most promising prospect for the control of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. A vaccine based on midgut proteins could interfere with successful tick feeding and additionally interfere with midgut developmental stages of Babesia parasites, providing opportunities for the control of both the tick and the pathogens it transmits. Midgut proteins from partially fed adult female cattle ticks were analysed using a combination of 2-DE and gel-free LC-MS/MS.

Characterization of a new Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin, Cry47Aa, from strains that are toxic to the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina.

Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis, derived from various soil samples collected in Australia, are highly toxic to larvae of the sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina). The toxin gene from one of the strains (CAA890) was cloned by genome walking, and sequencing of the cloned fragments revealed a new cry gene, encoding a protein of 1134 amino acid residues, with a theoretical molecular mass of 139,209Da. Based on the amino acid sequence comparison with known Cry delta-endotoxins, the gene was designated cry47Aa.

Identification and characterization of proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis with high toxic activity against the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina.

Current control of the sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) relies on chemical insecticides, however, with the development of resistance and increasing concerns about human health and environmental residues, alternative strategies to control this economically important pest are required. In this study, we have identified several isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), collected from various Australian soil samples, that produce crystals containing 130 and 28 kDa proteins. These isolates were highly toxic to feeding larvae in both in vitro bioassays and in vivo on sheep.

Diet influences the ecology of lactic acid bacteria and Escherichia coli along the digestive tract of cattle: neural networks and 16S rDNA.

In this manuscript, the authors have sought to gain a better understanding of the interactions between Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Rogossa MRS agar along the digestive tract of grain- and forage-fed cattle. E. coli from cattle receiving a high-grain diet were more numerous (P<0.