A fly management program is necessary to limit horn fly populations around cattle. These pests take up to 40 blood meals a day, causing stress on cattle. Fly control solutions can lead to improved cow health and increased weight gains.
Altosid® IGR is a feed-through fly control product which is passed through the cow to the manure when consumed. Horn flies lay their eggs in the manure, and the active ingredient interrupts the fly life cycle. Because of this mode of action, effective horn fly control requires consistent feeding habits among cattle. To manage fly populations with Altosid® IGR, follow these feeding tips for cattle:
Paul Kropp, Director of Sales, emphasizes, "It is very important to maintain consistent intake, and to do that, there's a couple tips. One, we want to have about a five to seven-day supply in the feeders at any one time. We want to maintain good moisture control, and make sure the product is, is nice and fresh as much as possible. We want to position those feeders around loafing areas, water supplies, or feed bunks, to make it accessible for those animals."
Additionally, Kropp advises that operators should "check those feeders as frequently as possible, and the more frequently that we can measure that, the better. The more concise that we can be in our management of those feeders."
For effective fly management with Altosid® IGR:
- Use one feeder for every 15 to 20 animals to maintain effectiveness and accessibility.
- Monitor consumption for a few days. Increase or decrease amount in feed to meet recommended levels.
- Include a 5- to 7-day supply of free choice feed in feeders.
- Place feeders where cows congregate such as near water, in shaded areas and loafing sports. Move feeders around as necessary for proper consumption.
- Keep fresh feed available to cattle by placing the feeders out of the rain.
While it is important to manage fly populations, it is also necessary to understand that complete eradication is not feasible. As Kropp notes, "we will never be flight free. However, there is an economic threshold for both Altosid® IGR and Clarify® Larvicide. So just because we have a few flies, doesn't mean it's going to have a negative impact on us economically."
Altosid® IGR is recognized as the gold standard in controlling horn flies. "Data has shown it. It is statistically over years. Over a long period of time, it has been proven that it is a consistent way to control horn flies," Kropp explains.
Become proactive with your herd to stop the suffering brought about by horn flies. By following these feeding tips, you can ensure proper consumption of Altosid® IGR to help decrease fly populations.
Want to learn more? Watch Paul Kropp share his feeding tips for effective horn-fly control with Altosid® IGR.
