Fly control is always a hot topic when spring —one of the most beautiful times of the year — finally arrives in Canada. Unfortunately, along with spring calves and green grass come pests like flies, which can create some concerns for our cattle and horses as they come to life and start to multiply.

So, why is this a problem? Cattle spend a lot of time and energy fending off flies, and this unnecessary energy waste can reduce their weight gain. They also push into groups to help each other fight off flies instead of eating and grazing — and if they aren’t eating, they aren’t growing and putting on weight, which keeps them from achieving their full genetic potential.

Insect problems are worse in some geographical locations than others. For instance, southern Alberta receives more wind, and that seems to help with fly relief. In swampy and heavily treed areas, however, flies appear to be a bigger issue.

Breeding season can be negatively affected by flies, as bulls can end up spending most of their time swatting away insects instead of focusing on their intended job at that time.

Another issue created by flies is the transfer of bacteria from animal to animal, which can increase the spread of pinkeye throughout the herd. As a result, ranchers are forced to spend time and money using antibiotics to combat the problem, as it must be treated.

So, what can we do to prevent the issues associated with flies? Crystalyx^® offers several options to help with fly control. One is Mineral-lyx^® GFC, which goes beyond our original Mineraly-lyx product with the addition of a garlic compound. Some studies have shown that when a cow consumes garlic, the compounds from the garlic are released through the cow’s body and can act as a deterrent to flies, thereby keeping flies from landing on the cow and, in turn, offering the cow some relief. The results of some university research have demonstrated a reduction in the amount of flies per square inch on cattle of more than 50% when cattle were fed garlic-containing minerals.

Figure 1. The results of a study in Saskatchewan showed that cow-calf pairs that received mineral products that incorporated garlic attracted 52–56% fewer flies, on average, than two control groups during the summer months.

Another option available through Crystalyx is an insect growth regulator (IGR) called Altosid^® IGR.  Altosid IGR is a feed-through compound that helps prevent the development of horn flies in manure and breaks the fly life cycle, thereby reducing the overall horn fly population. Crystalyx offers two solutions that include Altosid IGR and that are consumed consistently by cattle, ensuring adequate intakes: Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® 6% Phos with Altosid IGR is designed for an intake of 110 grams a day, and Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® 4% Phos with Altosid IGR is designed for a daily intake of 226.8 grams.

A common question we often receive is whether these products work to deter insects other than horn flies. Altosid IGR is only labeled for the control of horn flies, which have the biggest economic impact on cattle production.

For a complete review of all of Crystalyx’s solutions to help with fly control, contact your local Crystalyx dealer, visit crystalyx.com or download the Crystalyx app. We can help you find the right product for your operation.