Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Dr. M. Wayne Ayers, Senior Beef Cattle Technical Consultant for Elanco Animal Health. With extensive veterinary experience, Dr. Ayers emphasized the importance of strategic pest control across different regions of the United States.
Parasites and pests pose significant economic challenges for cattle producers. Dr. Ayers highlighted that internal parasites, particularly the brown stomach worm, can cause substantial economic losses. The peak parasite season varies by region, with northern states experiencing high parasite loads in June and July, while southern regions face different seasonal challenges.
Fly control emerged as a crucial topic, with Dr. Ayers recommending a comprehensive approach. He suggested using two ear tags per cow and one per calf, explaining that proper application helps distribute pest control chemicals effectively. Horn flies can significantly impact cattle productivity, potentially reducing calf weaning weight by up to 15 pounds, which translates to considerable economic loss.
Ticks were another major concern, especially with the introduction of invasive species like the Asian Longhorned tick. Dr. Ayers recommended multiple control strategies, including prescribed burns in pastures and strategic chemical applications.
The key to effective pest management lies in developing a tailored, region-specific plan. Producers should work closely with local veterinarians to understand their specific risk factors and create a comprehensive control strategy. Timing is critical, with treatments ideally coordinated with actively growing grass and specific seasonal conditions.
Dr. Ayers stressed the importance of responsible product use, advocating for an approach that minimizes chemical application while maximizing effectiveness. He described this as using products "as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible," which supports both economic efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve animal health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall profitability of cattle operations through intelligent, strategic pest management. We hope you enjoy this interview with Dr. Ayers with Elanco Animal Health.
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