Page 15 - MWC 08-5-2021s
P. 15
The Midwest Cattleman · August 5, 2021 · P15
Fly Control Considerations for Cattle on Pasture
By Adele Harty, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist and Patrick Wagner
ly results in than $1 billion annually in between 30 and 40 blood
high numbers. the United States. This loss meals per day. After mating,
It is import- is a result of skin irrita- the adult females deposit
ant to identify tion, blood loss, decreased eggs in fresh manure and the
(Figure 1) and grazing efficiency, reduced eggs typically hatch within
understand weight gains, and decreased one week. The total life cycle
life cycles of milk production. Research of the horn fly is between 10
external pests in Nebraska found that calf and 20 days, depending on
affecting live- weaning weights were 10–20 weather conditions.
stock in order pounds (lbs.) heavier when MANAGEMENT
to choose the flies were controlled on the The economic injury level
most effective cows. (EIL) for horn flies is 200 flies
control op- Horn flies are about 1/2 to per animal. At this point, the
tions. 1/3 the size of the common economic impact of the pest
Along with being irritants Horn Flies house fly, or approximate- equals treatment costs, and
to livestock, horn flies, face Horn flies are one of the ly 3/16 of an inch long. They a treatment plan should be
flies and stable flies are eco- most common and economi- are commonly found on the started. Multiple insecticide
nomically important to pro- cally important ectoparasites backs, sides, and polls of cat- options are available to man-
ducers due to their negative of pastured cattle. Economic tle. During the heat of the age horn flies, including dust
impacts on milk production losses are estimated at more day, horn flies will migrate bags, backrubbers (oilers),
and calf weaning weights. In to the belly. As adults, they feed additives, sprays, pour-
addition, they can affect graz- spend most of ons and insecticidal ear tags.
ing distribution and transmit their time on Dust bags or oilers may be
eye diseases, such as pinkeye cattle, pierc- either forced use (placed in
and infectious bovine rhino- ing the skin of an area that animals must
tracheitis (IBR). It is difficult host animals pass through) or free choice.
to predict what fly levels will to suck blood. However, if they are not in a
be like for any given year, but Both male and forced use area, expect 35–
hot, dry weather can speed female horn
up development and usual- Figure 1. (From Left) House fly, stable fly, horn fly and face fly. flies may take continued on page 19
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