Resumen

IMBAQUINGO BENALCAZAR, Edgar  y  MENESES QUELAL, Orlando. Trap for the control of horn flies (Haematobia irritans) in dairy cows. Rev. Inv. Cs. Agro. y Vet. [online]. 2024, vol.8, n.24, pp.832-850.  Epub 20-Sep-2024. ISSN 2664-0902.  https://doi.org/10.33996/revistaalfa.v8i24.307.

The study evaluates the effectiveness of a walk-through trap for the control of horn flies (Haematobia irritans) in dairy cows at Finca San José, located in Tulcán, Ecuador. Horn flies represent a significant challenge for livestock, affecting cattle health and productivity. Traditionally, chemical pesticides have been used for their control, but overuse has led to resistance in flies and environmental problems. In this study, a walk-through trap prototype was designed and tested, which was strategically installed on the daily route of cows to the pastures after milking. Fly counts were made before and after the cows passed through the trap, with a total of 15 measurements over six weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of flies, with an average decrease of 35% to 45%. The effectiveness of the trap varied according to the color of the cattle and the weather conditions, being more effective on sunny days. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between fly reduction and increased milk production, suggesting that decreased fly-induced stress contributes to higher milk productivity. This study underlines the importance of adopting more sustainable and targeted pest control methods to improve productive efficiency in livestock farming.

Palabras clave : Pest control; Horn fly; Dairy farming; Trap effectiveness.

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