In summary, forage is the basis of your feeding program. If corn silage is the primary forage, harvesting at the correct stage of maturity, moisture level and length of cut will result in higher nutritional quality. High quality corn silage requires less concentrate ingredient supplementation resulting in a lower feed cost per hundred pounds of milk. If those of us in MSU Dairy Extension can be of assistance to you, please contact us. Fly infestations are significant because they can limit production by focusing the cattle's attention on swatting and scratching rather than on eating.
Summer is the time when flies threaten cattle's performance.
In heavy infestations, losses in the lactating herd can result in decreased milk production and increased mastitis. Flies can also transmit anaplasmosis. In heifers, fly infestations can result in less than expected weight gain as well as increased incidence of pink eye or conjunctivitis. Flies can also cause mastitis in heifers. There are two types of flies that create a nuisance for cattle.