Hostname: page-component-6898cfcb55-th4rj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-11T18:15:39.152Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

An artificial feeding technique for Glossina

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

S. K. Moloo
Affiliation:
East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization, Tororo, Uganda

Extract

An apparatus for the artificial feeding of tsetse has been described. Fresh defibrinated blood at 36 °C is circulated with a peristaltic pump through feeding capsules. The efficiency of the method has been compared with that of the Cockings' method and with the live host feeding. The flies exposed to feeding on this apparatus showed significantly higher feeding frequency than those allowed to feed on the Cockings' apparatus. Compared with the live host feeding, the feeding frequency for circulating blood method was slightly lower but the difference was not significant. Once the fly is induced to feed, it would in most cases complete engorgement unless disturbed. The rate of crop emptying in flies fed by the Cockings' method was abnormally slower as compared to those fed on the circulating blood. The present study indicates that for the successful artificial feeding of tsetse, it is essential to circulate the blood and regulate the temperature of the medium and the feeding surface to approximately 36 °C.

I wish to thank Mr S. B. Kutuza for technical help, and the Director of E.A.T.R.O. for permission to publish this work.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable