This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship of tick load between multiparous Senepol cows (n = 127 observations) and their calves (n = 144 observations) born in fall 2010 and 2011 and spring 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Cow tick load was evaluated using a visual score (clean, light, moderate or heavy) before monthly acaricide treatment at weaning. Calf BW and tick load were measured at weaning and yearling. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated for birth to weaning and weaning to yearling. Data were analyzed using correlation and GLM procedures with calving season and cow tick load as the main effects and sire as a covariate due to unequal representation of sires across years. Calves born in the spring had greater 205-d adjusted weaning weights (P < 0.002) than calves born in the fall (319.4 ± 10.7 vs. 236.9 ± 23.2 kg, respectively) but there was no effect of cow tick loads (P > 0.10). There was no effect of calving season or cow tick load on 365-d adjusted weight of calves (P > 0.10). Spring-born calves had a higher ADG from birth to weaning (P < 0.0001) than fall-born calves (1.23 ± 0.04 vs. ± 0.93 ± 0.09 kg/d, respectively) but there was no effect of cow tick load (P > 0.10). Calves of cows with light tick loads had lower ADG from weaning to yearling (P < 0.0001) than calves of cows with clean, moderate or high tick loads (0.29 ± 0.02 vs. 0.49 ± 0.03 vs. 0.45 ± 0.03 vs. 0.44 ± 0.03 kg/d, respectively). Spring-born calves had greater tick loads at weaning (P < 0.001) than fall-born calves (2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2, respectively) but there was no difference (P > 0.10) as yearlings. Calves of cows with high tick loads at weaning had lower yearling tick loads (P < 0.02) than calves from cows with clean, light or moderate tick loads (1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3, respectively). Cow tick load at weaning had low correlations with calf tick load at weaning (r = 0.24, P < 0.008) and at yearling (r = −0.23, P < 0.04). Calf tick load at weaning was not correlated with tick load at yearling (r = −0.01, P > 0.10). Cow tick load does not affect calf tick load or pre-weaning growth, Because of the low correlation of tick load between cows and calves, and within calves, it may be difficult to select for this trait.