It is not the objective of the publication to thoroughly report research results on control of flies, lice, ticks, etc. However, some results are of particular interest in the use of this tool.

Part of our interest in the tool is its ease of use, i.e., the grazier friendly quality of it. Some of these qualities were documented in a Progressive Farmer magazine study (Anon., 2000). In that study, 76.5 percent of cattleman surveyed considered the cattle rub to be very easy to use relative to other common methods of fly control.

The same study reported the cattle rub to be the most economical and the easiest on cattle and more than 90 percent of those surveyed considered the resulting fly control to be moderate to very dependable. In our experience, the insecticide and solvent cost was about $1 per animal per year for face, horn and heel fly prevention and control, grub prevention, lice prevention and all other livestock and forage management advantages. These benefits were received and we did not gather or handle the cattle once.

Face fly and horn fly control on cattle via forced use cattle rub impregnated with various insecticides was excellent (Roberts and Saluta, 1982). Results showed control could often be 95 percent to 100 percent. Seventy-five percent of the time, fly control was over 90 percent with the cattle rub technique. The objective of fly control is not to totally eliminate flies, but to limit populations to relatively harmless levels. The results of the research illustrate that reduced fly infestation is easily obtainable through the use of the cattle rub.

The various cattle-infesting external parasites have interesting and important behaviors relative to cattle and pasture infestation. It is not the purpose of this publication to provide that information, but the reader is encouraged to seek such information from Extension agents, animal scientists and commercial sources. This education will help the user visualize how the tool controls flies, lice and grubs.

Some research shows that controlling flies on cattle can economically improve animal performance (Cocke, et al, 1989; DeRouen, et al, 1995; Foil, et al, 1996). In these studies, conducted in Louisiana and Texas, total weight gains of weaned calves or yearling stocker cattle were reported to be 27 pounds more per head of weaned calf and 17 percent better gain of yearlings in two studies. When this is the case, it represents a very positive economic benefit to fly control alone. Returns in these studies, where quoted, were about $7 for a $1 investment in direct cost of the fly control procedure used. Results from fly control studies are variable and not always positive. However, when using the tool for all its intended purposes, there are many positive functions in cattle and grazing management. Fly control alone may actually be a minor component of the tool's total capabilities in overall cattle and pasture management and all the associated economic and grazier friendly benefits.

In grazier experiences, effectiveness of the tool rarely fails when properly used in a wellmanaged rotational stocking unit. In other cases, some of the tools have not been constructed to do all things well. There may be some pasture situations where the tool seems to be inferior for its intended purposes. The grazier that encounters less-than-desired effectiveness when using the tool should closely examine its construction, management and the pasture area to try to determine means to improve the effectiveness.