What do external parasites cost you in lost production?

External parasites such as flies, lice, mosquitoes and ticks have a marked effect on beef production. They counteract a substantial amount of the gain that is achieved in the wetter months when pastures are lush and ample. They cause irritation and discomfort resulting in reduced weight gain, milk and meat production. In part, this lost production is correlated with reduced grazing and hence reduced feed intake. Furthermore, they increase the spread of diseases such as three-day sickness and pink eye. Due to the difficultly in measuring such losses, parasites are too often left untreated or treatment is not started until the problem is prevalent and losses have already occurred. DPI research suggested that moderate infestation of buffalo fly resulted in an average production loss of 15kg over approximately 3 months (100 days). There was also a direct relationship between the incidence of pinkeye and buffalo fly treatment where treated pinkeye occurrences became substantially less. Fly control systems used in conjunction with a supplement program is a cost-effective way of overcoming problems caused by biting insects.

Top Country offers a cost effective, low labour system to reduce the impacts of external parasites. Top Country are proud stockists of the Dual Chains back rub is a device which improves the coverage of repellent or chemicals which protects livestock from external parasites. This reduces the labour and fly control costs and allows a continual treatment to animals. Dual Chains are easily attached to the roof of the Top Feedas or you can hang from a chain or structure (such as between two trees) about 2 – 2.5 meters from the ground enabling cattle to be coated with a deodorant or repellent while they are consuming supplement.

Dual Chains are built strong and long lasting, with an easy-to-use design with each distributer able to hold 1 litre. The distributers are linked to the hanging backrubs, supplying four weeks of insect control for the stock. The oils are a unique fly control product that is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective animal deodorant. It contains essential Australian native and vegetable oils that have aromatic deodorant effects. These oils can be purchased individually.
For further information on this please contact one of the sales team at the office on (07) 4622 8330.