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COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 53
CATTLE GRUBS
Cattle grubs are the immature stage of heel flies that develop in the body of the cattle. Adult flies pester cattle and interfere with grazing, the immature larvae live within the body most of the year and rob cattle of nutrients. The emerging grubs come out through the skin of the back and make holes that damage the hide.
Heel flies torment cattle their legs and lay their eggs on hairs. Cattle attacked by egg-laying heel flies run with tails in the air, and will charge into the brush or even crash through fences.
Treatment:
Controlling the adult flies is practically impossible therefore control them by destroying the first stage larvae in the body before they travel to the back. Use systemic insecticides – they are absorbed into the body and kills grubs wherever located at time of treatment. Cattle should also be treated after the heel fly season is over or at least three months before the appearance of grubs in the back. Ask your vet what is most appropriate in your area.
EXTERNAL PARASITES
These include flies, mosquitoes, lice, ticks and mites. Some feed on blood and cause anemia or even death. Several diseases can be spread by these parasites.
The primary offender affecting cattle are horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, face files, and in some areas black flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Flies cause cattle to loose weight, suck blood, cause discomfort and irritation.
HORN FLIES are the cause of the most economic loss because they reduce the daily weight gain in calves as much as 40 pounds. However, they can be controlled with proper insecticides which can be applied in different methods. Back rubbers, and dust bags are effective if properly managed – place them stretching over the gateway poles where cattle travel every day or near water where cattle use them regularly. Any device that sprinkles insecticide dust on the animal when it rubs usually works. If the applicator is refilled regularly and the insecticide changed periodically the flies are less likely to become resistant.
Oral larvicides added to mineral mixes or given by bolus kill fly larvae in manure when flies lay eggs in it. Pour-on chemicals and sprays give good control but must be repeated at regular intervals.
Insecticide impregnated ear tags are an easy method of control. Attach them at the start of the fly season, two tags per animal and remove them in the autumn. Tags should be inserted during late spring or early summer.
Cattle grubs are the immature stage of heel flies that develop in the body of the cattle. Adult flies pester cattle and interfere with grazing, the immature larvae live within the body most of the year and rob cattle of nutrients. The emerging grubs come out through the skin of the back and make holes that damage the hide.
Heel flies torment cattle their legs and lay their eggs on hairs. Cattle attacked by egg-laying heel flies run with tails in the air, and will charge into the brush or even crash through fences.
Treatment:
Controlling the adult flies is practically impossible therefore control them by destroying the first stage larvae in the body before they travel to the back. Use systemic insecticides – they are absorbed into the body and kills grubs wherever located at time of treatment. Cattle should also be treated after the heel fly season is over or at least three months before the appearance of grubs in the back. Ask your vet what is most appropriate in your area.
EXTERNAL PARASITES
These include flies, mosquitoes, lice, ticks and mites. Some feed on blood and cause anemia or even death. Several diseases can be spread by these parasites.
The primary offender affecting cattle are horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, face files, and in some areas black flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Flies cause cattle to loose weight, suck blood, cause discomfort and irritation.
HORN FLIES are the cause of the most economic loss because they reduce the daily weight gain in calves as much as 40 pounds. However, they can be controlled with proper insecticides which can be applied in different methods. Back rubbers, and dust bags are effective if properly managed – place them stretching over the gateway poles where cattle travel every day or near water where cattle use them regularly. Any device that sprinkles insecticide dust on the animal when it rubs usually works. If the applicator is refilled regularly and the insecticide changed periodically the flies are less likely to become resistant.
Oral larvicides added to mineral mixes or given by bolus kill fly larvae in manure when flies lay eggs in it. Pour-on chemicals and sprays give good control but must be repeated at regular intervals.
Insecticide impregnated ear tags are an easy method of control. Attach them at the start of the fly season, two tags per animal and remove them in the autumn. Tags should be inserted during late spring or early summer.