LOOMIX® IGR FORMULATIONS
Horn fly
(Haematobia irritans)
Are horn flies a problem for your operation? You may not think so, but did you know that horn fly populations over 200 flies per animal can lead to major economic losses due to reduced weight gains, decreased feed efficiency and decreased milk production caused by loss of blood and excessive energy expenditure to dislodge flies. In fact, the economic losses from horn flies cost the North American cattle industry over $1 billion per year. Loomix® formulations with IGR are similar to other Loomix® formulations with the exception that they contain Altosid® to control horn flies. The Altosid® in Loomix® IGR formulations passes through the digestive system and into the manure, where horn flies lay their eggs. Once the manure has been treated, the Altosid® in Loomix® IGR formulations prevents the pupae of horn flies from developing into adult horn flies, thereby breaking the life cycle. For answers to frequently asked questions about Loomix® IGR formulations, please see the section below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loomix® IGR Feed Supplements
IGR stands for “Insect Growth Regulator”. The compound added to Loomix® IGR formulations that controls horn fly populations is called Altosid®. As cattle ingest feed that contains Altosid®, the resulting manure is treated; Altosid® prevents horn fly pupae in the manure from developing into adult horn flies, therefore ending the horn fly life cycle.
Horn Flies cost the Beef Industry over $800 million in lost production annually. Horn Flies are one of the few flies that suck blood and can lower weaning weight by more than 20 lbs. and can lower gains on yearlings by more than 30 lbs.
Female Horn flies must lay their eggs in fresh manure. Altosid® treats manure and prevents these eggs from developing beyond the pupae stage, therefore ending the horn fly life cycle.
Horn Flies are host specific (meaning they stay with one animal), are not great fliers, and only lay their eggs in fresh manure, therefore limiting their ability to migrate to other animals or other pastures. Therefore, having a neighbor that does not use the product, should not mean diminished horn fly control.
Altosid® is formulated to only control horn flies. The reason for this is that horn flies are the major fly that has an economic impact on beef cattle in pasture situations. Also, since Altosid® is formulated only for horn flies, it is not harmful to beneficial insects such as the dung beetle that help “break down” manure in the pasture.
There has been no documented resistance to Altosid®.
Toxicity tests show that Altosid® is less toxic than table salt. Altosid® (IGR) is not dangerous to fish and other wildlife.
Loomix® IGR formulations are meant to be fed at a rate of .75 to 1.0 lb/hd/day. The amount of Altosid® that needs to be consumed to be effective depends on body weight but in order to make sure cattle are receiving the right amount of Altosid® (IGR), they should consume a minimum of .75 lb per day of the feed product that contains Altosid® (IGR).
While proper consumption every day is ideal. Cattle need to consume the proper amount of Altosid® every two to three days to maintain efficacy.
You need to get the product into the cattle at least two to three weeks prior to expected horn fly emergence. This will typically range by region but in general can be as early as March 15th for states as far south as Kansas and Oklahoma. This diagram will give you a general idea on when horn flies are expected to emerge for your area. Loomix® IGR products should continue to be fed for 2 weeks after the first hard freeze.
Where do I go for more information?
Call Cattleman's Choice Loomix, LLC at 800-870-0356