Author Description

This book contains scientific information on combating animals and insects affected on animal production. Ectoparasite control can be one of the most expensive and time consuming parts of being a livestock farmer. It is important to raise healthy animals for food and supplies. When working hard to prevent and fight ectoparasites from harming livestock, many factors need to be considered, such as, the time of year, the type of animal and the conditions where it lives and is raised. It is important to realize that ectoparasites are not only an annoyance; they can also transmit diseases and have an impact on the bottom line. Flies are the most common ectoparasites affecting cattle in warmer climates like Texas, Florida and Louisiana. Flies that cause irritation and economic loss include the house fly, the heel fly, the horn fly and the stable fly. Horn flies are very costly to control but cannot be ignored; horn flies consume up to a pint of blood each day. Flies can be controlled or limited with the use of sprayers, dust bags, back rubs, ear tags and mineral blocks.