Effects of artificially induced infestations of the cattle louse, Linognathus vituli.

Groups of White Shorthorn calves, stanchioned to prevent self-grooming and given high or low levels of nutrition, were exposed to artificial infestations of the cattle louse, Linognathus vituli. Undernutrition caused a significant (P = 0.03) increase in lice numbers. Lice did not significantly affect percentages of packed cells, lymphocytes, polymorphs and eosinophils or the number of red and white cells. Calves were always able to control lice infestations without self-grooming.