The use of deep frozen, stored bovine blood for in vitro feeding of tsetse flies

Abstract

Summary A method of blood preparation is described which resulted in the successful rearing ofGlossina p. palpalis with in vitro feeding. Cells of defibrinated bovine blood were washed in 0.89% NaCl solution prior to deep-freezing. Cells and serum were stored (−28°C) for up to four months. For feeding, both components were mixed in the volumetric proportion 1:1. Adenosine triphosphate was added at a concentration of 10⁻³ M to stimulate uptake of blood. Survival rate and mean weight of puparia remained constant over three generations while productivity increased.