Effects of Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) on Weight Gains of Grazing Yearling Cattle

Authors

J.B. Campbell, West Central Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, North Platte, NEFollow
S.R. Skoda, USDA-ARS
Dennis Berkebile, USDA-ARSFollow
D. J. Boxler, West Central Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, North Platte, NEFollow
G.D. Thomas, USDA-ARS
D. C. Adams, West Central Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, North Platte, NEFollow
R. Davis, West Central Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, North Platte, NE

Date of this Version

5-21-2001

Comments

Published in JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 94, no. 3.

Abstract

Differences in weight gains caused by stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), on grazing yearling steer/calves averaged 0.2 kg per steer in a 3-yr study on canyon range pastures in West Central Nebraska. Stable fly numbers averaged 0.85 per front leg on treated calves and 3.64 per front leg on control calves. In 2 of the 3 yr after the grazing trials were completed, the calves were placed in a feedlot and fed a finishing ration. Compensatory gain did not occur in the feedlot after the stable fly stress was removed.