I would like to know of a way to keep flies off my cattle. Indiana Country Friend Jack Bunyard

-- jack bunyard (bunyard@cnz.com), May 22, 2001

Answers

Jack, there are many methods, call 1-800-jeffers and ask for their livestock cataloge.

-- mitch hearn (moopups1@aol.com), May 22, 2001.

The University of Missouri developed a fly trap that cattle walk through to rid themselves of flies. The flies are held there until they die and numbers over all were reduced. It also helps to run chicken tractors, etc., in the pasture behind the cattle to break up cow pies and remove the fly eggs and maggots. The pamphlet is still available through Missouri Extension but I don't know their website/address to help you get it. If I can find it, I'll email you directly with it.

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), May 22, 2001.

We have a Pyrethrin spray, may be called Dairy bomb. It is listed for use on cattle and you can spray it right on them where the little pests linger. You might ask at your farm supply store.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), May 22, 2001.

Thanks for the help. I just love all the advice on country side. Indiana Country Friend Jack Bunyard

-- Jack bunyard (bunyard@cnz.com), May 23, 2001.

We don't generally go for chemicals in our program, but seeing the cattle tormented by swarms of flies will get to you.

We have used the treated ear tags. One in each ear. They are available through the animal health supply catalogs. If you put them in at the start of the season, they lose strength in the later part of the season. You can put fresh ones in, if you don't have too many cattle and running them all through the shute doesn't represent too much work.

They do work.

-- homestead2 (homestead@localnetplus.com), May 23, 2001.

don't know how many or what type cattle you have,but we are cattle producers from 50+ years. If dairy, you have them up and under control twice daly; so any good spray from a farmer's co-op or feed and seed will do the trick. A lot of beef producers in our area have stopped using fly tags except on de-horned heifers. As pointed out they play out before fly season is over,they aren't cheap,and you can't get a beef animal up and hold still for re-tagging very easily. A good back rub will really help. A good pesticide mixed with diesel fuel as recomended is best.

-- W.A. (wah@tnweb.com), May 26, 2001.