Subscriber Question: What exactly does “genetic fly resistance” mean? Are you saying that with the proper genetics you don’t have to use chemical pesticides?
Answer:
When it comes to horn flies and other parasite problems, most of today’s cow-calf producers have been programmed to spend an inordinate amount of money on chemical solutions that are temporary at best. They overlook the less expensive and less complicated solutions previous generations were forced to employ.
Genetic fly resistance is not rocket science. In fact, it is very simple. Before you use toxic chemicals to control horn flies this summer, take time to walk through your cowherd and look at individual cows. You will notice that some cows have very few flies, while other cows are covered with flies. What’s the difference?
We don’t need to understand the details. All we need to understand is that some cows have a much greater natural resistance to horn flies than other cows. That is a genetic difference. You can see this in every cowherd that has not been treated with chemicals. Once you treat your herd with chemicals, you will no longer be able to see the genetic difference.
The only way to truly solve parasite problems is through genetics. Prior to the creation of the first toxic 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!
Pharo Cattle Company® has cooperative cowherds in 13 different states and Canada. Most of these cowherds have not been treated for parasites (flies, worms, lice, etc.) for 25 years. When you stop treating your cattle with toxic chemicals, you will be able to see the genetic differences between animals – and you will be able to select and breed accordingly.
If you are serious about solving your horn fly problem, I suggest you identify the worst 25% of the cows. These cows will most likely be your lowest producing and least profitable cows. Cull those cows! With cow prices as high as they are, there has never been a better time to get rid of your least-profitable, fly-infested cows.
Replace your herd bulls with low-input PCC® bulls that have been bred and selected for fly resistance. In the last 20 years, we have evaluated and scored over 18,000 bulls for genetic fly resistance. While other bull producers continue to use toxic chemicals to cover up inferior genetics, we have the ability to help you solve your parasite problems.
Quote Worth Re-Quoting
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein
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