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School of Animal Science News Archive Published 2/6/18
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The blood-sucking fly pests of Louisiana beef cattle include the horn fly, stable fly and many species of tabanids. Feeding by these flies not only results in blood loss, but it causes annoyance which alters the normal grazing behavior of cattle. The economic impact of these flies is usually attributed to weight loss or reduced weight gain in growing cattle and expenditures for fly control. The biology of these blood-sucking fly pests varies considerably, and this affects the success of various control methods. By understanding the biology and life cycle of each pest, producers will be better able to devise more effect ive fly control programs. In most cases, an integrated approach, whereby more than one control method is used, will prove more effective for long-term fly control.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
