Dave Boxler

Decreasing temperature, increasing lice

Cattle with hair loss, an unthrifty appearance, and leaving hair on fences and other objects from rubbing may be a sign of lice infestation. The impact of cattle lice can range from reduced weight gain to animal mortality and everything in between.

September 2, 2024

Dave Boxler

Five species of lice parasitize cattle in the U.S. Four of these are blood feeders, and the fifth is a biting or chewing louse. Cattle with hair loss, an unthrifty appearance, and leaving hair on fences and other objects from rubbing may be a sign of lice infestation.

Stable flies on pastured cattle

Warmer weather means flies. But why is that and what can you do to limit their effect on your cattle? Continue reading for more information.

May 6, 2024

Dave Boxler

Pastured animals that exhibit defensive behaviors such as tail flicking, skin twitching, leg stamping, lying with their legs tucked underneath, standing in water and bunching in corners of pastures are likely being attacked by the stable fly.

Controls for flies on pastured cattle

Face flies are a common pest many cattle producers have to deal with, especially in the summer months. While there are many control options available, selecting the most effective one and implementing it in a timely matter is essential.

March 12, 2024

Dave Boxler

Face flies are pests of pastured livestock animals such as beef cattle and horses. The face fly is a robust fly that resembles the house fly in appearance.

Horn flies on pastured cattle

Horn flies can be a major pest for cattle and cattle producers across the U.S. Pest control should start before the start of the pest season. Continue reading for some pest control methods.

February 20, 2024

Dave Boxler

The horn fly is a major pest of pasture and rangeland cattle throughout the U.S. Adult horn flies are blood-feeding flies taking, on average, 30 blood meals per day.

Pasture flies, impact and control strategies

March 23, 2018

Dave Boxler

For some livestock producers, fly season is not that far away. Many different fly control options are available to livestock producers.

Limiting fly populations on pastured cattle

February 24, 2016

Dave Boxler

As we transition from winter into spring, livestock producers should begin the process of evaluating their pasture fly control options for their specific management system.

Reducing fly numbers on pastured cattle

February 24, 2015

Dave Boxler

As late spring approaches, livestock producers should evaluate and select pasture fly control options available for their specific management system. This article focuses on three fly species which could economically impact pastured livestock: the horn fly, face fly and stable fly.

Articles by Dave Boxler

Decreasing temperature, increasing lice

Stable flies on pastured cattle

Controls for flies on pastured cattle

Horn flies on pastured cattle

Pasture flies, impact and control strategies

Limiting fly populations on pastured cattle

Reducing fly numbers on pastured cattle

West: The value of records

South Central: Heifer development from weaning to breeding

Southeast: BCS – one of the best tools you have

FREE NEWSLETTERS

SUBSCRIBE to Leading Industry Magazines

I'm looking for ________

[Podcast] FMMO modernization: USDA’s final decision and the impact it could have on milk prices