Inferring phenotypic causal networks for tick infestation, Babesia bovis infection, and weight gain in Hereford and Braford cattle using structural equation models

•Four different networks among tick infestation, B. bovis infection level, weight gain from birth to weaning, and weight gain from weaning to yearling were compared.•There is a potential causal relationship between tick count and weight gain from birth to weaning.•There is a negative causal effect of pre-weaning gain on post-weaning gain.