With exceptionally mild temperatures recorded over the winter, dairy farmers face the risk of increased fly populations this spring, so it is crucial to act early with fly control.
If left untreated, further generations of eggs will start hatching as temperatures rise over ten degrees Celcius, and fly populations can multiply rapidly by the summer. Not only does fly nuisance cause distress and restlessness to herds, reducing eating time and consequently milk yield by up to 30%, but flies can also transmit diseases such as summer mastitis later in the year.
To help protect the health and productivity of cattle, farmers are encouraged to get on top of fly populations with BUTOX® SWISH – no cattle pour-on lasts longer for fly control.
This long-acting, ready to use pour-on suspension effectively controls biting and nuisance flies and biting and sucking lice in cattle.
A single application of BUTOX® SWISH has a quick initial knockdown and spreads well over the body. It offers 8 to 10 weeks of fly control, meaning fewer applications through the season and less handling of cows, along with being more cost-effective per day of treatment per animal.
BUTOX® SWISH has no milk withdrawal period meaning no break in production is needed. For the best result, it’s important to start treating the herd as soon as the risk period occurs. Continue with treatment throughout the season to ensure flies don’t become a problem later down the line. Remember, two flies can become one million in four months if left untreated.
As temperatures rise over 10 degrees, fly eggs will start hatching. Flies cause distress, known as fly ‘worry’, severely reducing milk yield because it causes restlessness and reduces the time cows are eating. It’s estimated this reduction can be as much as 14,700 of milk per 140 cow herd over 10 weeks, which is significant.
These pests transmit dangerous diseases, such as summer mastitis later in the year, so control is vital. Act now to prevent adults from laying further generations of eggs which could contribute to population explosions. If you wait to see flies, it is already too late.
