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COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 54
Start your control program when you can count at least 50 flies on one side of a cow, but do not count when the weather is cool. During warmer hours horn flies tend to move under the belly making it difficult to count.
A cow raising her calf should be protected until it has been weaned, why, because it can make a difference in weaning weights. Put tags on during early June if you wean in late summer or autumn. For earlier protection use pour-on insecticides or dust applicators if needed, needless to say if you wean in midsummer put the tags on earlier. Tags are most effective during the first 60 days that is why tagging cattle late gives good control during peak fly season. Be sure to ask your vet what is the best approach to fly control in your area.
HORN FLY RESISTANCE
If the same insecticide is used year after year the result will be horn fly resistance.
Rotate between synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Many vets recommend organophosphate tags for two years followed by pyrethroids for one year, then organophosphate. In areas that have long fly seasons, alternate yearly or even more often.
Face flies do not develop resistance to insecticides, you can use any kind of tag. Horn flies affect every animal and are a larger problem than outbreaks of pinkeye, therefore choose a tag that control horn flies, it will also do the job for face flies.
To know if your tags are effective, observe the number of horn flies on the backs and shoulders of your cattle. If you recently put in insecticide tags and still see large numbers of flies then you have a large population of resistant flies.
LICE
Infestations of lice are most rampant in winter. They too rob cattle of nutrition when they need it most, the result is loss of weight and reduced milk production and the animal becomes more prone to disease.
Biting and sucking lice cause sever irritation and itching. If cattle scratch and rub against feeders, gates or posts are most likely infested. IF A COW IS INFESTED WITH A LOT OF LICE IT MAY CAUSE THE COW TO ABORT. Winter hair gives lice protection and provide an ideal place for reproduction.
Be careful not to put lice-free cattle in a corral where lousy animals have been rubbing. If you use brushes, halters or other equipment on lousy cattle know that lice can be transmitted to healthy cattle if you use them.
A cow raising her calf should be protected until it has been weaned, why, because it can make a difference in weaning weights. Put tags on during early June if you wean in late summer or autumn. For earlier protection use pour-on insecticides or dust applicators if needed, needless to say if you wean in midsummer put the tags on earlier. Tags are most effective during the first 60 days that is why tagging cattle late gives good control during peak fly season. Be sure to ask your vet what is the best approach to fly control in your area.
HORN FLY RESISTANCE
If the same insecticide is used year after year the result will be horn fly resistance.
Rotate between synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Many vets recommend organophosphate tags for two years followed by pyrethroids for one year, then organophosphate. In areas that have long fly seasons, alternate yearly or even more often.
Face flies do not develop resistance to insecticides, you can use any kind of tag. Horn flies affect every animal and are a larger problem than outbreaks of pinkeye, therefore choose a tag that control horn flies, it will also do the job for face flies.
To know if your tags are effective, observe the number of horn flies on the backs and shoulders of your cattle. If you recently put in insecticide tags and still see large numbers of flies then you have a large population of resistant flies.
LICE
Infestations of lice are most rampant in winter. They too rob cattle of nutrition when they need it most, the result is loss of weight and reduced milk production and the animal becomes more prone to disease.
Biting and sucking lice cause sever irritation and itching. If cattle scratch and rub against feeders, gates or posts are most likely infested. IF A COW IS INFESTED WITH A LOT OF LICE IT MAY CAUSE THE COW TO ABORT. Winter hair gives lice protection and provide an ideal place for reproduction.
Be careful not to put lice-free cattle in a corral where lousy animals have been rubbing. If you use brushes, halters or other equipment on lousy cattle know that lice can be transmitted to healthy cattle if you use them.