Fly Control for Calves and more!

[BlackAlderRanch]

We have 4 beef calves about 3 months old.

I would prefer to use a natural fly control method - does anyone know of an affective, natural fly control method (other than getting predator bugs) - I do not mind having to apply it frequently.

If not, I have considered using fly ear tags but do not want to put the tags in the calves ears since they need to be removed, etc, every few months. I have been thinking of attaching them to either the calf halters or put them on collars or break-away chains around the calves neck and would like to hear peoples opinions and thoughts about doing that.

The calves are weaned, we have them on pasture and are feeding them calf starter (about 4 cups each) with milk replacer mixed in (dry) once a day. Should we be feeding that twice a day instead?

We want to train the heifers to lead and I would like to get advise on the best way to do that. I have thought about putting short drag ropes on their halters to they can step on them and learn to give to resistance, and have also read about tying them up for a week (with just enough rope to lay down and reach food and water), but I am not very comfortable leaving them tied without direct supervision and would be more comfortable tying them for an hour at a time, supervised.

Thank you!

Debi
Black Alder Ranch

 

[Allison]

I don't know much about training heifers to lead, but I know Sue at Ivyhillfarm (on facebook) has done it with her dexters. You could ask her.

 

[greybeard]

I've had cattle for decades, have used tags, cattle rubs, dust bags, and everything in between, all work to some extent, some better than others, depending on which insect you have, and a number of other variables but I know of no natural fly control method that has ever been proven to work.
As far as ear tags attached to halters, chains, ropes etc, this would diminish the effectiveness of the tag considerably and would increase the liklihood of your flies becoming resistant to the type insecticide the tags have in them. The tags work by releasing the chemical as the animal rubs and moves around--the tag has to have contact with the hide of the animal for it to do it's job. It is absorbed into the skin of the animal and generally is safe except in some cases regarding lactating dairy cattle. FOLLOW the instructions on the label!!

One of the best methods of fly control is prevention. Drag your pastures with 3-4 old tires chained together. This knocks down the manure piles, spreads them out so they dry faster and disrupts the fly egg to larvae life cycle.
Here's a link to a U of Ky article on fly control with ear tags.
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef505.asp

Yes, they should be removed at the end of your fly season.
1. They aren't needed after the fly breeding season is over--it only lasts about 60-90 days each year anyway--depending on your location in the world.
2. Fly tags usually last about 3 months, and then begin giving out very small amts of insecticide. This reduced leaching effect is one of the main causes of control resistant flies.

We have 4 beef calves about 3 months old.

I would prefer to use a natural fly control method - does anyone know of an affective, natural fly control method (other than getting predator bugs) - I do not mind having to apply it frequently.

If not, I have considered using fly ear tags but do not want to put the tags in the calves ears since they need to be removed, etc, every few months. I have been thinking of attaching them to either the calf halters or put them on collars or break-away chains around the calves neck and would like to hear peoples opinions and thoughts about doing that.

The calves are weaned, we have them on pasture and are feeding them calf starter (about 4 cups each) with milk replacer mixed in (dry) once a day. Should we be feeding that twice a day instead?

We want to train the heifers to lead and I would like to get advise on the best way to do that. I have thought about putting short drag ropes on their halters to they can step on them and learn to give to resistance, and have also read about tying them up for a week (with just enough rope to lay down and reach food and water), but I am not very comfortable leaving them tied without direct supervision and would be more comfortable tying them for an hour at a time, supervised.

Thank you!

Debi
Black Alder Ranch