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Context: Tick infestation is a serious challenge to farmers in both developed and developing countries.

Objective: The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic value of neem leaves extract and ivermectin against tick infestation in calves.

Materials and Methods: A total of 15 calves infested with ticks were selected and divided into three groups, Group A (n= 5) kept as control group, Group B (n= 5) treated with neem extract and Group C (n= 5) treated with ivermectin. After spray of neem leaves extract and injection of ivermectin the treated and control groups were kept for 28 days and clinical and hematological parameters were investigated at 7 days intervals. On the basis of tick count, the efficacy of ivermectin was found 100% on day7, 14, 21 and 28 after the treatment whereas neem leaves extract (spray) was 68.8% effective at day 28 against tick infestation in calves. The results showed that the body weight of calves increased after treatment in groups B and C respectively, comparative to control group. The hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV%), and total erythrocyte count (TEC) was increase significantly (P< 0.05) whereas the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the neem and ivermectin treated group was decreased. All the calves after neem spray and ivermectin injection remained healthy and no adverse effect were observed. The change of growth rate and coat color brightness was mentionable.

Conclusion: It is concluded that neem leaves extract may be used as an alternative approach against tick infestation in calf.