Fly Control Minerals for Cattle

Jul 01, 2019


Not having proper fly control can be quite costly in terms of lost production, treatment costs, and disease transmission, taking a significant toll on animals’ comfort and the operation’s bottom line.

The three major species for concern are houseflies, face flies, and horn flies. Fortunately, there are several effective options for controlling flies and minimizing their associated losses to our cattle herds.  Insecticide ear tags, pour-on products, back rubbers treated with insecticides, premise sprays, and feed-through insect growth regulators (IGRs) can all be of use in keeping fly numbers in check.
 
The most convenient method is a cattle vitamin-mineral supplement containing an IGR because this product eliminates the stress, labor, and expense of handling cattle while allowing the animals to spread the horn fly control as they graze.

Feed-through IGRs control horn fly populations by preventing the eggs from developing into adult flies, therefore greatly decreasing the numbers. The compound is consumed and passes unaffected through the animal’s digestive tract, ending up in the manure where it interrupts the life cycle of the fly, preventing development into the adult stage. For optimum fly control, these products must be consumed daily in adequate quantities to ensure that all manure contains effective levels of the IGR.

For most effective results when using Co-op Fly Control Minerals, begin feeding before flies appear in the spring. These minerals, in addition to fly control, are a complete vitamin-mineral supplement containing a feed-through insecticide and providing additional nutrients such as phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are necessary for grazing cattle to get the most from the pastures they graze.

Consult with your local Co-op feed and animal health specialist to help set up an effective fly control plan.   
 

Read More News

Jul 13, 2026

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2027 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 9:30 a.m. (CST), Fri., July 31, 2026, in conjunction with an Executive Committee/Membership meeting of the Tennessee Pork Producers Association at the Drury Plaza Conference Room, 1874 McEwen Dr., Franklin, TN 37067. The 2027 National Pork Forum is scheduled for Arlington, TX, on March 3-5, 2027.  

Jul 08, 2026
Although many producers welcome warm, sunny conditions after a hard winter, the summer season can be stressful and challenging for our animals. While cattle and most other livestock do well under 68° F, periods of high humidity, reduced air movement, insignificant cloud cover, and little overnight cooling relief can lower productivity in your herd. There are several strategies that should be implemented to protect livestock during these conditions.
Jun 15, 2026
A water trough that is always full, stays clean, and keeps water at a comfortable temperature is an attractive offering to livestock. Especially during the summer months, it is important to encourage your animals to drink by preventing any water conditions that could turn them away, like stale and stagnant water or contaminants such as algae.