Last week, I told you how anyone who has at least two cows can determine which cows have the best genetic resistance to horn flies. It is very simple and easy – but you must do it before you use any toxic fly-control chemicals. Once the herd has been treated, you will no longer be able to see the difference.
To my surprise, I recently came across an article in a status quo beef publication that attempted to discuss genetic fly resistance. Not surprisingly, I was disappointed with the article’s conclusions. The author tried, but she just couldn’t pull it off.
She interviewed a well-known Texas bull producer who talked about the importance of noticing how some animals have more fly resistance than others. Thumbs up! Then he blew it by admitting he treats his cows with toxic chemicals once or twice a year to control flies. Thumbs down!
As I said last week, prior to the creation of the first pesticides 80 years ago, nearly all cattle had a natural, bred-in resistance to horn flies and other parasites. Those that did not have a natural resistance did not last long enough to pass on their inferior genetics. That’s what we call survival of the fittest – and it still works!
Food for Thought: As long as your bull supplier tolerates things like infertility, bad udders, bad feet, parasite problems, etc., etc., you will never get rid of those problems in your herd.
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