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

Document Type

Article

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.