The economics of cattle tick control in dry tropical Australia

The economics of strategic dipping compared to nil treatment of cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus) on Droughtmaster cattle was assessed using a partial budget analysis. The analysis was based on reported experimental data which showed a bodyweight gain advantage from strategic dipping of 45 kg/head for growing cattle and 35 kg/head for breeding cows. Costs of dipping were calculated using 3 acaricide costs, that is 5.9, 20.9 and 62.7 per head and allowances were made for mustering, maintenance of facilities and annual cost of asset purchase under an intensive farm management system similar to the reported experimental conditions. The net gain of benefits over costs per annum for each acaricide cost was $927, $810 and $483 per 100 breeders and their progeny. Breakeven beef prices at which it was worth dipping were found to be 61, 69 and 94 per kg dressed weight depending on the cost of acaricide used for dipping. All prices and costs are expressed in 1981 dollars of purchasing power.