Taking The Bite Out of Horn Fly Losses With Mineral Additives: Warm weather brings one of a cattle producer’s biggest headaches: horn flies. These are not just annoying pests; they are parasites that feed on your cattle’s blood. This painful process causes stress and a direct loss of body condition, which ultimately impacts your profits. In fact, horn flies cost the cattle industry an estimated $800 million each year.
A proven and effective method for controlling these pests is using a feed-through product containing Altosid® IGR (S-Methoprene). This ingredient passes harmlessly through your cattle and remains in their manure. There, it mimics a juvenile fly hormone, preventing fly larvae from maturing into adults. This approach is environmentally safe and insects have not developed a resistance to it.
Here’s why a feed-through solution is a smart choice for your operation:
- Cost-Effective: Incorporating fly control into your existing feeding program adds no extra labor costs. For every dollar you spend, you can see a return of $6-10 in increased weight gain.
- Easy to Use: It’s much simpler than applying ear tags or maintaining back rubbers.
- Targeted Control: The dosage is low enough that it only affects horn flies, leaving beneficial insects like dung beetles unharmed.
Purina’s Wind and Rain® Fly Control Mineral tubs use this technology perfectly. They combine essential minerals with Altosid® IGR in a formula that manages intake, ensuring your cattle get the right amount for effective fly control.
Start feeding a fly control mineral about 30 days before fly season begins and continue until 30 days after the first hard frost to nearly eliminate the problem. Visit Steinhauser’s today to learn more about Purina’s fly control solutions and protect your herd.