1998 ESA North Central Branch Meeting Abstract
75 THE EFFECT OF STABLE FLIES ON WEIGHT GAINS OF PASTURED CATTLE. David J. Boxler and J. B. Campbell, University of Nebraska, West Central Research and Extension Center, Route 4 Box 46-A, North Platte, NE 69101
A study was initiated during the summer of 1997 to evaluate the effect of stable flies on the weight gains of pastured cattle. Two groups of 21 cross-bred yearling steers were selected for this study located near North Platte, NE. The two groups of steers were located in native range pastures located ca.1-mile apart. To study the effects, the steers were weighed prior to placement in their respective pastures and every 28 days during the 84-day study. The steers in the control group (no stable fly treatment) each received two Patriot insecticide ear tags, which provided horn fly control. The steers in the treated group (stable fly treatment) were sprayed three times a week. The native stable fly population at the study site was supplemented with laboratory reared stable flies on a daily basis to maintain a desired population level. Stable fly leg counts were recorded on a daily basis for both groups of steers. Results from the first weigh period provided no significant difference in average daily gain (ADG) between treatment groups. Stable fly numbers during the first weigh period averaged 2.79 flies per leg for the control group and 1.31 flies per leg for the treated group. During the second weigh period ADG for the control group was 1.06 lb per animal verses 1.38 lb per animal for the treated group. Stable fly numbers averaged 3.57 flies per leg for the control group and 0.59 flies per leg for the treated group. During the third weigh period ADG for the control
group was 1.71 lb per animal compared to 2.94 lb per animal for the treated group. Stable fly numbers averaged 4.31 flies per leg for the control and 0.39 flies per animal for the treated group. Overall, the steers which had lower stable fly numbers gained, on average, 0.51 lb more per day than steers which were not provided with stable fly protection.
This paper will be presented on Monday.
Back to NCB Home Page