Beef Tips

Tag: external parasites

Managing the impact of cattle lice during the winter months

By A.J. Tarpoff DVM, MS; Beef Extension Veterinarian

Cattle lice infections can affect the health and performance of our cows and stocker cattle during the winter months. This time period generally ranges from December through March. The USDA has estimated that livestock producers lose up to $125 million per year due to effects of lice infestations. Not only can they be the cause of direct animal performance losses, but they also increase wear and tear on our facilities and fences. The direct losses to cattle come in forms of decreased average daily gains (documented 0.25 pounds per day reduction in growing calves), skin infections, and potentially blood loss and anemia. Continue reading “Managing the impact of cattle lice during the winter months”

Timely management steps to combat external parasites

By A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, extension veterinarian

External parasites during the summer months can be a heavy burden on cattle and producers alike. Painful bites and risk of disease transmission are  common issues with  these nuisance pests. In cattle, culprits can include several fly species as well as ticks. Controlling these pests takes properly timed management.  This article will discuss the insects, their management and control options.

Continue reading “Timely management steps to combat external parasites”