As Summer arrives and temperatures start to increase so does the number of flies and midges irritating livestock. Although eradication of flies is impossible, effective control is achievable and should be the aim for every farmer.
Worryingly, flies and midges that affect livestock are not only a nuisance and irritation to the animal, they can also transmit disease so what can seem to be a minor problem on the surface, can actually result in financial losses.
The underlying problem of nuisance flies and insects affecting cattle and sheep can sometimes go unnoticed to the naked eye, and it is only when animal performance declines that we start to take action.
Research has demonstrated that flies can reduce cattle growth rates by up to 0.3kg per day, milk yield by 0.5 litre per day* leading to major economic losses which accumulate over the grazing season.
There is also evidence that the risk period is getting longer and starting earlier due to changing climatic
conditions and weather patterns, making taking steps to minimise grazing disturbance a priority as soon as average daytime temperatures reach 100C and above from around May onwards.
If we can help minimise grazing disturbance in the first place, this gives cattle and sheep the best chance
of sustaining performance on spring and summer pastures. OPTI-MOL® BUZZ OFF provides a natural
and effective solution to this increasing problem in cattle and sheep, containing a potent source of garlic
to help discourage nuisance insects.
OPTI-MOL® BUZZ OFF is formulated with a high specification of minerals and vitamins; Phosphorous,
Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Selenium, Iodine, Cobalt, Manganese, Zinc and Vitamin A, D and E to
complement deficiencies often found in grazing to help support optimal animal health and performance.
Help discourage nuisance insects this grazing season with OPTI-MOL® BUZZ OFF:
- Garlic-enriched to help minimise grazing disturbance in cattle and sheep.
- Protected zinc to help in the management of lameness and mastitis.
- Fortified with minerals, trace elements and vitamins, including selenium, cobalt and iodine, to help balance potential deficiencies in grazing.
- Product should be withdrawn 7 days before parturition where milk is intended for human consumption, and 21 days before slaughter for meat-producing animals.
Your local Territory manager can provide further advice on discuraging nuisance insects this summer.
*Johnson et al., (1999) Med. Vet. Entomology (13) pp. 372-376.