Comprehensive evaluation of tick infestation dynamics and host response in Kankrej and Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle

Ticks and tick-borne diseases present significant challenges to cattle production. In this context, natural host resistance to ticks emerges as a promising and sustainable alternative. The present study aimed to clarify the phenotypic, immunological, and genetic factors contributing to the superior natural tick resistance observed in indigenous Kankrej cattle compared with Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred cattle, managed under the same field conditions. We evaluated 116 naturally infested cattle (27 Kankrej and 89 HF crossbreds) from Gujarat, India, and assessed their tick burdens across anatomical sites, seasons, and breeds. The host's cutaneous immune response was investigated through histopathological examination of skin biopsies from tick attachment sites, with a particular focus on mast cell infiltration. Four immune-related candidate gene SNPs were also analysed for their association with tick resistance, marking the first such evaluation in Kankrej cattle. Our findings revealed that HF crossbred cattle harboured significantly higher tick loads than Kankrej cattle, with infestation patterns strongly affected by anatomical location and seasonality. Histopathological analysis showed pronounced mast cell infiltration at tick bite sites and a higher baseline mast cell count in Kankrej cattle than HF crossbred, suggesting a breed-specific, innate cutaneous immune response. This study offers the first comprehensive characterisation of tick resistance in Kankrej cattle and highlights the value of indigenous breeds in developing sustainable tick control strategies.