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Photos East Central Alberta

hillsdown

Well-known member
per said:
Justin said:
thanks for the pics, Dylan. looks like it is time for a rain dance, weather permitting :wink: remember, it always rains right after a drought :?
Don't we just have to get Haymaker to run nakid to the barn to get it to rain? :shock: I wonder if he would come up here to run around a few barns. :???:

Add my place to HM's list of nakid visits..
Hell, I would put up with pretty much anything to make it rain.. :shock:
 

hillsdown

Well-known member
Dylan Biggs said:
hillsdown said:
Nice pics Dylan , it looks like very familiar country.. :)

We live in the hilly part east of RD between the flat on both sides, it is a challenge to do field work alot of times.

Have you tried doing a mineral oil rub/douse to the cattle periodically; it is supposed to deter lice and fleas. So "they" say..

I am going to try, mineral oil, garlic oil and tea tree oil mix. It will be an experiment. But I am sure I can come up with an alternative eventually.


That's funny as I have heard that garlic works as well, especially for fleas on dogs.. But then garlic pretty much deters most everything, ask my hubby . He eats garlic and I am at least 30 ft away.. :lol:
 

Northern Rancher

Well-known member
Remember Gordon complaining about chasing cattle in the brush all 50 yards of it lol. Didn't they make some kind of horn fly trap that cattle wealked through on the way to water-Sask. Ag built it I think. Usually less than 5 percent of cattle are bothered much by lice.
 

Justin

Well-known member
hillsdown said:
per said:
Justin said:
thanks for the pics, Dylan. looks like it is time for a rain dance, weather permitting :wink: remember, it always rains right after a drought :?
Don't we just have to get Haymaker to run nakid to the barn to get it to rain? :shock: I wonder if he would come up here to run around a few barns. :???:

Add my place to HM's list of nakid visits..
Hell, I would put up with pretty much anything to make it rain.. :shock:

boy oh boy, you guys must really be dry up there :? :wink:
 

Faster horses

Well-known member
Believe it or not, lice are fairly easy to kill. You can do it with 1/5 dose of Ivomec, but as you stated, you can't use it. I'll see what I can find that
you can use. And the only way to kill lice, regardless of what you use, is
to apply it twice, 2 weeks apart. We get by doing it once, but when you
really have an infestation, you must do it twice.

You have warmer weather coming now and that usually helps get rid
of lice. When it's been unusually cold, lice problems are worse. Ever notice that. Darn parasites, anyway!
 

Dylan Biggs

Well-known member
Faster horses said:
Believe it or not, lice are fairly easy to kill. You can do it with 1/5 dose of Ivomec, but as you stated, you can't use it. I'll see what I can find that
you can use. And the only way to kill lice, regardless of what you use, is
to apply it twice, 2 weeks apart. We get by doing it once, but when you
really have an infestation, you must do it twice.

You have warmer weather coming now and that usually helps get rid
of lice. When it's been unusually cold, lice problems are worse. Ever notice that. Darn parasites, anyway!

Your observations about weather and lice are the same as mine. Like NR said it is only a small % of cattle that really display visually noticeable symptoms. Any ideas or suggestions for an alternative control would be appreciated.

Parasites are a nuisance for sure. This summer we had some research scientists here. One gentleman was from Uruguay and compared to what they have to put up with our problems are nonexistent. They have to dip there cattle 10 months of the year for all sorts of devastating parasites far worse than lice.

The winter here is good for limiting such challenges.
:) :)
 

Faster horses

Well-known member
Here's what I received and also our Vigortone Veterinarins comment.
He said in re: to my inquiry about treating lice naturally:


"Enclosed is an organic reprint.
My choice would be the Pyrethrin in a powder form ( is a good control)
I have no confidence in diatomaceous earth. (no science behind it)
The coating with vegetable or mineral oil should work.
We have some Texas people that say CinnaGar in the mineral helps prevent ticks. "

I posted the whole article. The answer to your question about
natural products to control lice is toward the bottom.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Joe Pedretti- Forum Editor
Just what is a parasite? The simplest definition is that a parasite is something that lives at the expense of something else. We are not
just talking about minor discomfort here either; studies have shown that even mild infestations of parasites could cost you 1 pound of
milk production per head per day. This adds up too quickly to go untreated. Conventional dairy farmers typically take care of the
entire parasite problem in one step by using a pour-on pesticide like ivermectin. Organic farmers have no such convenience and must
counter common parasite infestations through a combination of prevention and control.

What are the most common external parasites?
Lice, mange, and with rotationally grazed herds near woodlands, ticks. Five species of lice affect cattle in the U.S. One species is a
biting or chewing louse; the other four are sucking lice. There are two species of mange mites that most often affect cattle. Chorioptes
bovis is a mange mite that infests cattle and is commonly known as “tailhead mange.” It is the most common type of mange found in
the U.S. It is a problem primarily in winter in all types of cattle, but especially in dairy cattle which are housed in closed quarters.
Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis is a burrowing mite that infests cattle and is frequently referred to as “neck and tail mange,” although it
may be found on any part of the body.

Ticks are mostly a nuisance pest, but under certain conditions can reach numbers capable of affecting the animal. Ticks prefer the ears
and neck areas of cattle: spots where it is difficult for the animal to remove them. Luckily, ticks have a complex life cycle and it is not
possible for them to breed and reproduce on the animals or in buildings.
What is the effect of these external parasites? Lice bring about itching and skin irritations, causing animals to scratch, rub, and bite
infested areas. Mange also causes skin irritation and itching, with more severe cases resulting in thickened skin, hair loss, and lesions.
Ticks cause mostly minor irritation.

What is the economic impact?
Losses can occur from these parasites due to irritation, blood loss, depressed appetite, and decreased rate of gain. Mange can affect the
mammary gland and interfere with milking. Lactating animals will lose production depending on the level of infestation.
Contributing factors for external parasites
• Intensive grazing in woodland areas (ticks)
• Close confinement
• Anything that puts cattle in frequent contact with other cattle
• Cold weather conditions
Clinical signs
• Rough haircoat
• Lack of appetite, poor rate of gain
• Depression, lethargy
• Constant rubbing against fences or equipment
• Off-feed
Control Options (Preventative)
Always separate new arrivals for at least 3 weeks. Check these animals over very closely for any signs of infestation and treat if
necessary.

Separate animals that display early signs of infestation. Parasites prefer animals with lowered immune systems, an indication of stress
or poor nutrition. Animals that repeatedly have problems with external parasites often have some other underlying problems, perhaps
internal parasites.

Make sure your feeds are high quality and make sure to balance the minerals. Offering “free-choice” minerals will allow the cows to
meet their own needs. Animals have the innate ability to fortify their diet with the necessary minerals. Animals in low-stress
environments, with good feeds, are much less susceptible to parasites.
Reduce the stress level. Are there too many animals being held together in one area? Is there an opportunity to exercise and have
access to the outdoors? If feeds are being offered in bunks, is there enough space for each animal to feed? The weakest animals (and
thus the most stressed) are the most likely ones to develop parasite problems.

Control Options (Treatment)
There are few options available to the organic farmer for treatment of external parasites. Prevention is key. If a parasite problem is
detected there are a few options:
Approved Treatment with no need for prior approval:
Liquid Enzymes
The newest and most promising treatment option. The liquid enzyme spray works by physically breaking down the
exoskeleton of the insect/mite. Once the exoskeleton has been compromised the parasite dies quickly. Since it is not
toxic in any way to the animal or to people, the liquid enzyme treatment is a very exciting new parasite treatment
product.

Diatomaceous Earth and Garlic Powder
Diatomaceous earth is not chemically active but actually kills insects and mites by piercing their exoskeletons and
causing them to “leak” and die. DE is not toxic and can even be eaten (it is also used for internal parasites). DE
should not be breathed however. Take care when applying the powder. Wear a mask and avoid kicking up clouds of
the dust. Apply the powder outside if possible. Do not purchase the DE that is sold for pool filtration. This DE is
not the same thing as needed for parasite control. Buy from a reputable dealer of animal health products.
Garlic powder has an active ingredient called allicin. It can kill or repel parasites and also has excellent antimicrobial
properties. Feeding a garlic tincture in conjunction with external treatment has shown promise, especially
with mange mites.

Soap
Soap removes the waxy cuticle that protects insects and mites from drying out. Soaping animals will kill lice and
mites, but repeat treatments will be necessary, especially with heavy infestations. Basic H or similar pure soap
works well.

Organic plant oils (soy, canola etc.)
Insects and mites need oxygen just like any other animal. Oils kill them by clogging up the pores that deliver oxygen
to their bodies. Apply a light coat of oil to the areas of infestation. Run oil along the neck and spine to cover some
of most commonly infested areas. Do not overdo the oil, a thin even coat is all it takes. As with soap, repeat
treatments may be necessary. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never use kerosene, diesel, or other petroleum-based
product to control lice or mites. The use of these products can result in suspension or outright decertification.
Mineral oil is the only petroleum-based oil that is allowed for topical use for the treatment of parasites under the
National Organic Standards.

Restricted Use Products- You must get approval before use:
Neem Oil
An ancient insect control material from India. The neem tree is the source of this natural insecticide. The combination of
neem and oil is effective against all external parasites.
Pyrethrin (Chrysanthemum Flower)
A true botanical insecticide, that kills insects and mites on contact. Pyrethrin in a powder form is a good control, but is best
used only for heavy infestations, and make sure that the formulation you purchase does not contain piperinyl butoxide, a
synergist that is prohibited.

Prohibited Methods:
Kerosene, diesel or any other petroleum-based product.
Any chemical insecticide, including, but not limited to ivermectin, permethrin, methoxychlor, and malathion.

Hope this helps! Good luck!
 

Dylan Biggs

Well-known member
Faster Horses Thanks for the info, all our calves and bulls were dusted with DE this fall. It worked on the claves but not at all on the bulls. We have experimented with DE for a number of years and results are very inconsistent. Need to find something else. Thanks again. :)
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Dylan-- our cows are really rubbing the last couple of weeks...I don't think its so much from lice (were poured twice- once in Nov- and again in Jan-- and I have an oiler with delice/fly retardent up year around)- but more from the heavy hair coats they put on this winter- and now with the warm weather its starting to itch..

I noticed a couple of the Willow trees with the perfect height rubbing limbs are really getting shined up...
 

Dylan Biggs

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
Dylan-- our cows are really rubbing the last couple of weeks...I don't think its so much from lice (were poured twice- once in Nov- and again in Jan-- and I have an oiler with delice/fly retardent up year around)- but more from the heavy hair coats they put on this winter- and now with the warm weather its starting to itch..

I noticed a couple of the Willow trees with the perfect height rubbing limbs are really getting shined up...

There is no doubt they really like to rub once it starts to warm up.
 

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