 |
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
Horn flies begin to cause a problem for cattle as the temperatures rise. According to Merial, the maker of Ivomec brand products, one way to help control this pest to cattle is to use insecticide ear tags in combination with Ivomec (ivermectin) Pour-On. 
"Horn flies can be difficult to manage. Effective, season-long control of horn flies often requires several treatments and even several products," says James A. Hawkins, DVM, manager of Veterinary Professional Services for Merial.The horn fly season can begin as early as March in the Southern United States, and in May in northern states. The parasites continue to thrive throughout the summer, with numbers peaking in September and October. Populations then die out when temperatures drop towards freezing. Thus, horn fly control should begin at the onset of warm temperatures in the spring and continue through the fall. "Infestation of horn flies has been reported to cause an estimated weight loss of 12 pounds per calf and 10 pounds per stocker, as well as 4.6 percent reduction in slaughter weights," according to Hawkins. "Profit losses attributed to horn fly problems account for an estimated $730 million annually in the cattle production industry." |
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
All information is copywrited by Feed Lot magazine and cannot be printed or re-printed
without the publishers express consent. Please contact
Feed Lot Magazine for reprint and copy authorization.
|
||||