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Electronic Journal of Biotechnology
Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
ISSN: 0717-3458
Vol. 16, No. 5, 2013
Bioline Code: ej13054
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 16, No. 5, 2013

 en Differences in the fly-load of Haematobia irritans check for this species in other resources (Diptera: Muscidae) on cattle is modified by endophyte infection of pastures
Parra, Leonardo; Rojas, Claudio; Catrileo, Adrian; Galdames, Rafael; Mutis, Ana; Birkett, Michael A. & Quiroz, Andrés

Abstract

Background: The horn fly, Haematobia irritans check for this species in other resources , is an obligate bloodsucking ectoparasite of pastured cattle and is a major pest of livestock production in North and South America and Europe. In this study, we investigated the potential to use cattle pastures, infected with non-toxic, “friendly” fungal-endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea check for this species in other resources Schreb., as a strategy for reducing horn fly loads in cattle, and to evaluate the possible bioinsecticide effect on horn fly larvae.
Results: When cattle grazed in E+ tall fescue, a decrease in fly-load was observed, compared with other pastures (endophyte-free (E-) pastures). The infestation of horn fly load decreased according to an increase in the percentage of endophyte present in the different pastures (0 to 100%). Moreover, two groups of animals with significant differences in the fly-load (high and low fly-load) in the same herd were observed (P < 0.05). Additionally, it was possible to determine a bioinsecticide effect of cattle dung, upon horn fly larvae (80%), from animals fed E+ tall fescue.
Conclusions: These results constitute the first report on the potential for exploiting pasture management for controlling 1) horn fly-loads on cattle and 2) the normal development of horn fly larvae. In conclusion, this information provides preliminary understanding of the role of cattle pasture diet management for controlling horn fliesas part of an integrated pest management strategy for this major pest of farmed livestock.

Keywords
endophyte-infected tall fescue; fly-load; horn fly; pasture

 
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