Horn flies swarming on your herd especially during spring can be a source of annoyance and can cause significant blood loss. It can have a negative impact on the herd’s production performance which equates to loss of income. There are several measures to combat horn flies in cattle. One of these is the 30/30 rule. This involves feeding cattle with fly control mineral at least 30 days before the last spring frost and 30 days after the first frost during the fall. This feeding regimen ensures that cattle consume fly control mineral before the appearance of horn flies during early spring and there is sufficient protection through summer and fall.
Fly control mineral contains an insect growth regulator (IGR)that is passed out with the feces. Horn flies lay eggs on cattle manure and when there is IGR, the lifecycle of the insects are broken. IGR prevent pupa from developing into adults.
Talk to your veterinarian Mt. Airy, MD about horn fly management techniques for your herd.
