PMEP Home Page --> Pesticide Use Information for New York State --> NAPIAP Survey - Dairy Cattle - 1997 --> Part I




Part I: Pest and Pesticide Use Assessment
for Dairy Cattle Production Systems
in New York





Results and Discussion


          Table 1 shows the total number of cattle associated with respondent farms from each county where dairy cattle data were collected. All 167 surveys collected indicated herd size. The surveys encompassed a total of 5448 calves, 8225 heifers, and 17,903 milking cows (approximately 4.5% of the total number of dairy cattle in New York State). The total herd size represented is 31,576 cattle in 14 counties. Housing type is summarized in Tables 2-4. Calves were most commonly housed in an indoor pen (62.3%); 61.1% of the heifers were housed in a combination indoor pen or freestall and pasture. Stanchions were the most common method of housing the milking herd (45.5%).
Table 1. Demographics






County		 # of
Records		 # of
Calves		 # of
Heifers		 # of
Cows		 Total
Herd Size

Allegany 2 129 204 403 736

Cattaraugus 5 285 492 868 1645

Chautauqua 3 265 270 620 1155

Delaware 57 1315 2283 4626 8224

Erie 2 200 210 500 910

Jefferson 71 1868 2778 6635 11281

Lewis 4 139 217 434 790

Madison 4 101 134 270 505

Montgomery 1 40 75 115 230

St. Lawrence 3 85 148 250 483

Sullivan 1 50 75 205 330

Tompkins/Cayuga 1 22 26 50 98

Wyoming 13 949 1313 2927 5189


Totals: 167 5448 8225 17903 31576






Table 2. Animal Housing: Calves


Calf Housing # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Indoor Pen 104 62.3%

Outdoor Hutch 15 9.0%

Combination 33 19.8%

Not Applicable 7 4.2%

Indoor Stalls 4 2.4%

Indoor Tie Stalls 1 0.6%

Pasture 1 0.6%

Stalls 1 0.6%

Stachion 1 0.6%




Total: 167






Table 3. Animal Housing: Heifers


Heifer Housing # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Indoor Pen 21 12.6%

Pasture 9 5.4%

Combination 102 61.1%

Feed Barns with access to pasture 22 13.2%

Not Applicable 6 3.6%

Feed Barns 1 0.6%

Indoor Stalls 2 1.2%

Stalls 1 0.6%

Stanchion 2 1.2%

Tie-Stalls and Stanchions 1 0.6%




Total: 167






Table 4. Animal Housing: Cows


Cow Housing # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Stanchion 76 45.5%

Free-Stall 43 25.7%

Combination 37 22.2%

Feed Barns with access to pasture 3 1.8%

Not Applicable 4 2.4%

Tie-Stalls 4 2.4%




Total: 167





Table 5 illustrates the type of bedding used for calves. The most common type of bedding used was straw (44.3%), followed by hay (30.5%), wood shavings (29.9%) and sawdust (16.8%). Paper products appeared to be the least used in calf bedding.


Table 5. Bedding Used for Calves


Type of Bedding # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Hay 51 30.5%

Newspaper 1 0.6%

 None 5 3.0%

 Old Hay 5 3.0%

 Paper 7 4.2%

 Paper Sludge 1 0.6%

 Sand 3 1.8%

 Sawdust 28 16.8%

 Sawdust plus lime 1 0.6%

 Shredded Paper 2 1.2%

 Straw 74 44.3%

 Wood Shavings 50 29.9%


Total: 228





Table 6 indicates the most common method for cleaning out manure in dairy housing facilities. A majority of the survey respondents (83.8%) indicated scraping to be the common method of manure removal.


Table 6. Cleaning System


System # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Barn Cleaner 2 1.2%

Hosing 5 3.0%

Not Applicable 1 0.6%

Scraping 140 83.8%

Scraping and flushing 6 3.6%

Scraping and liming 1 0.6%

Slatted Floors 2 1.2%

Sweeping 2 1.2%




Total: 159





Table 7 illustrates the frequency of treatment for the eight livestock pest types surveyed. The most common response to how frequently flies on pasture were treated was "two to three times per month." Flies in and around the barn area were treated an average of "once per week." Lice were most commonly treated "once a season" and mange, grubs, gnats and ticks were all treated an average of "once a season."


Table 7. Frequency of Insecticide Treatment

Target of Treatment Average
Frequency		 Scale

Flies on Pasture Cattle 4.2
(1) Daily
(2) Several times per week
(3) Once per week
(4) Two to three times per month
(5) Once a season
(6) Rarely or never treat

Flies in and Around the Barn Area 3.7

Flies in Milking Parlor 4.4

Mange 5.5

Cattle Grubs 5.5

Lice (on tail) 5.1

Other Lice 5.2

Eye Gnats 5.8

Ticks 5.7

Dairy producers were asked to rank each livestock pest as to their difficulty of control, with 1 being the most difficult and 5 being the least difficult to control (Table 8). A majority of producers felt that flies on pastured cattle, flies in and around the barn area and birds in and around the barn facility were the most difficult to control with an average difficulty level of 2.4-3.0. The most common response indicated for lice, mange, scabies, barn itch, cattle grubs, and rodents was difficulty level 3. The pest category "flies on pastured cattle" was considered to cause the greatest economic loss (55.7%) followed by "flies in and around the barn area" (42.5%) and "lice on cattle" (31.7%) (Table 9).






Table 8. Difficulty of Controlling Certain Pests

Pest Average
Difficulty		 Scale

Flies on Pastured Cattle 2.4
(1) Most difficult to control...
(5) Least difficult to control

Flies in and Around the Barn Area 2.6

Lice on Cattle 3.6

Mange, Scabies or Barn Itch on Cattle 3.4

Cattle Grubs 3.6

Birds In and Around the Barn Facility 3.0

Rodents In and Around the Barn Facility 3.2







Table 9. Pests Causing Economic Loss

Pest # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Cattle Grubs 21 12.6%

Flies in and around barn area 71 42.5%

Flies on pastured cattle 93 55.7%

Lice on cattle 53 31.7%

Mange, scabies, or barn itch 38 22.8%

None 1 0.6%




Total: 277





Table 10 illustrates pests rated by difficulty to control with the materials currently registered and available to dairy producers. Flies on pastured cattle were indicated as the most difficult to control (52.7% of responses) followed by "flies in and around the barn area: (27.7%).


Table 10. Pests Rated Most Difficult to Control

Pest # of
Responses		 % of
Records (148)

Cattle Grubs 6 4.1%

Flies in and around barn area 41 27.7%

Flies on pastured cattle 78 52.7%

Lice on cattle 8 5.4%

Mange, scabies, or barn itch 14 9.5%

None 1 0.7%




Total: 148





Table 11 summarizes alternative methods used for the control of dairy cattle pests. The most commonly used methos was manure management (74.9% of total responses) followed by fly ribbons and sticky paper (56.9%). Use of beneficial insects accounted for 3.6% of those surveyed. This percentage use has not changed from 1991 when dairy producers were last surveyed.


Table 11. Non-chemical Alternatives


Alternative # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Baited traps 23 13.8%

Barn fans 3 1.8%

Beneficial insects 6 3.6%

Clean feed alleys daily 1 0.6%

Electronic bug killers 17 10.2%

Fly ribbons, sticky paper 95 56.9%

General cleanliness 2 1.2%

Lime 2 1.2%

Manure management 125 74.9%

Netting 1 0.6%

None 10 6.0%

Pebble rock phosphate for hand dusting cattle 1 0.6%

Ventilation 6 3.6%




Total: 292







Table 12. Beneficial Insect Release: Calves

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Weekly 4 2.4%

Every other week 1 0.6%

Monthly 2 1.2%

Did not release insects 160 95.8%




Total: 167







Table 13. Beneficial Insect Releases: Heifers

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Weekly 4 2.4%

Every other week 1 0.6%

Monthly 1 0.6%

Did not release insects 161 96.4%




Total: 167







Table 14. Beneficial Insect Releases: Cows

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Weekly 3 1.8%

Every other week 1 0.6%

Monthly 2 1.2%

Did not release insects 161 96.4%




Total: 167





Tables 15-17 show the frequency of removal of manure/bedding for calves, heifers and cows. The most common response for each group was daily removal: 65.3% for calves, 61.1% for heifers, and 95.2% for cows.


Table 15. Manure/Bedding Removal Frequency: Calves

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Daily 109 65.3%

Weekly 29 17.4%

Every other week 8 4.8%

Monthly 9 5.4%

At weaning 1 0.6%

Bi-monthly 1 0.6%

Every other day 1 0.6%

Four times per day 1 0.6%

NA 5 3.0%

On pasture 1 0.6%

When needed 1 0.6%

Yearly 1 0.6%




Total: 167







Table 16. Manure/Bedding Removal Frequency: Heifers

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Daily 102 61.1%

Weekly 34 20.4%

Every other week 7 4.2%

Monthly 12 7.2%

Every other day 2 1.2%

NA 7 4.2%

On pasture 1 0.6%

Three times per week 1 0.6%

Yearly/Bedding pack 1 0.6%




Total: 167







Table 17. Manure/Bedding Removal Frequency: Cows

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Daily 159 95.2%

Weekly 1 0.6%

Every other day 2 1.2%

NA 4 2.4%

Twice a week 1 0.6%




Total: 167





Respondents indicated that 62.8% were certified pesticide applicators compared to 37.2% that were not (Table 18). This figure is down from the 1991 survey. At that time, 84.2% of respondents were certified pesticide applicators. A majority of dairy livestock producers indicated that they applied their own pesticides (63.3%) (Table 19). Respondents (Table 20) used a variety of pesticide application methods. The most common responses indicated fly baits (62.9%), animal sprays (56.3%), fogging/misting (50.3%), residual sprays (41.9%) and dust bags (40.1%) had been used. The least used methods of pest control were liquid dusters, pour-ons and feed-through boluses (~1%).


Table 18. Pesticide Certification Status

Are you a certified
pesticide applicator?		 # of
Responses		 % of
Records (164)

No 61 37.2%

Yes 103 62.8%




Total: 164







Table 19. Who Makes Pesticide Applications on your Farm

Applicator # of
Responses		 % of
Records (158)

Yes, I/We do our own pesticide application 100 63.3%

Use custom applicator 7 4.4%

Both 51 32.3%




Total: 158







Table 20. Application Methods

Method # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Animal sprays 94 56.3%

Backrubbers 36 21.6%

Dust bags 67 40.1%

Ear tags 45 26.9%

Feed through bolus 1 0.6%

Fly baits 105 62.9%

Fly larvicides 27 16.2%

Fogging/misting in the barn 84 50.3%

Hand dusting 66 39.5%

Liquid duster 1 0.6%

None 2 1.2%

Orkin Pest Control 2 1.2%

Pour-on 2 1.2%

Residual sprays in the barn 70 41.9%

Stickers 1 0.6%




Total: 603



Table 21 indicates the type of application equipment dairy producers used to apply pesticides to dairy cattle. The most common response was backpack or hand-pump sprayer (39.5%), followed by dust bags (28.1%) and foggers (26.3%). Respondents indicated that 47.9% never calibrate their pesticide application equipment (Table 22). Of those who do calibrate their equipment, 21.8% of total respondents indicated before each application and 18.5% indicated once per season.
Insecticides used in and around the barn area are summarized in Table 23. Methomyl baits were the most common type of insecticide used for fly control in and around barn area (44.9%). Space sprays accounted for 33.5% of responses. Permethrin (15.0%) and pyrethrins plus synergist (13.2%) were the most used insecticides for space sprays. Milk room sprays received 27.0% of responses. Pyrethrins plus synergist (25.7%) were used the most. Residual sprays received 22.8% of responses. Permethrin formulations (8.4%) were the most used active ingredient for this type of application. Manure treatment and oral formulations were used the least. Tetrachlorvinphos (6.6%) was used most often in both manure treatment and oral formulations.


Table 21. Application Equipment used by Dairy Producers

Equipment # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Aerosol can 7 4.2%

Backpack or hand-pump sprayer 66 39.5%

Backrubbers 13 7.8%

Dish-soap bottle 1 0.6%

Dust bags 47 28.1%

Fogger 44 26.3%

Hand duster 4 2.4%

High-pressure sprayer 9 5.4%

Jar 1 0.6%

Liquid duster 1 0.6%

Mist blower 7 4.2%

NA 4 2.4%

Pour-on 15 9.0%

Pour-on applicator 1 0.6%

Spray bottle 1 0.6%




Total: 221







Table 22. Calibration of Application Equipment

Frequency # of
Responses		 % of
Records (119)

At the time of equipment purchase 6 5.0%

Before each application 26 21.8%

Once a season 22 18.5%

Two to three times per season 7 5.9%

Never calibrate equipment 57 47.9%

Don't apply pesticides myself 1 0.8%




Total: 119





Insecticides used for fly control on cattle on pasture are summarized in Table 23. Animal sprays were the most common type of insecticide used for fly control on cattle on pasture (43.7%). Of the animal sprays, permethrin formulations were used most often (26.9%) followed by pyrethrins plus synergist (4.2%). Backrubbers accounted for 18.6% of responses. Permethrin (7.8%) and coumaphos (4.8%) were the most used insecticides for backrubbers. Dust bags received 18.0% of responses. Permethrin (10.8%) and tetrachlorvinphos (4.2%) were used most often in dust bags. Hand dusting received 13.2% of responses. Tetrachlorvinphos (6.0%) and permethrin (4.2%) were the most used active ingredients for hand dusting. Ear tags and oral formulations were used the least. Permethrin (6.6%) and fenvalerate (3.0%) were the active ingredients used most in ear tags, while tetrachlorvinphos (3.6%) was used most often in oral formulations.

Insecticides for louse or mite control are summarized in Table 23. Animal sprays were the most common type of insecticide used for louse and mite control on dairy cattle (55.1%). Permethrin formulations far exceeded all others (24.6%). Dusts accounted for 28.1% of responses. Coumaphos formulations were used most often for louse and mite control (15.0%).


Table 23. Purposes, Methods, and Types of Insecticide Used

Method of Application
# of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Fly control in and around the barn


Baits Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait) 75 44.9%


Manure treating Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 1 0.6%


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 5 3.0%


Orkin Pest Control 1 0.6%


Milk room Pyrethrins plus synergist 43 25.7%


IND Food Handling Spray 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 1 0.6%


Oral formulations Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos) 6 3.6%


Orkin Pest Control 1 .6%


Residual sprays Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin) 14 8.4%


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 6 3.6%


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 6 3.6%


Tempo (or other cyfluthrin formulations) 7 4.2%


3-M Spray 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 6 3.6%


Sodium hypochlorite 1 0.6%


Space sprays Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin) 25 15.0%


Pyrethrins plus synergist 22 13.2%


Vapona, Cionap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2 1.2%


C-EM-DIE 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 4 2.4%


Sodium hypochlorite 1 0.6%


Sure Kill 1 0.6%






Fly control on cattle on pasture


Animal sprays Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin) 45 26.9%


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 2 1.2%


Malathion 6 3.6%


Pyrethrins plus synergist 7 4.2%


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 6 3.6%


C-EM-DIE 1 0.6%


Eprinomectin 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 3 1.8%


pyrenone 1 0.6%


Sure Kill 1 0.6%


Backrubbers Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 2 1.2%


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 8 4.8%


Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 13 7.8%


Malathion 2 1.2%


Methoxychlor 1 0.6%


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2 1.2%


D furl Ten Count Back Rub 1 0.6%


Eprinomectin 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 1 0.6%


Dust Bags Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1 0.6%


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 18 10.8%


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formuations) 7 4.2%


Coumaphos 3 1.8%


IBA 1 0.6%


Ear tags Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin) 2 1.2%


Ectrin (fenvalerate) 5 3.0%


Hand dusting Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1 0.6%


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 7 4.2%


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 10 6.0%


Coumaphos 3 1.8%


Eprinomectin 1 0.6%


Oral formulations Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos) 6 3.6%


Vigilante (diflubenzuron) 1 0.6%


Orkin Pest Control 1 0.6%






Louse or mite control


Animal sprays Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin) 41 24.6%


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1 0.6%


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 10 6.0%


Pyrethrins plus synergist 1 0.6%


Taktic (amitraz) 13 7.8%


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 1 0.6%


Boss 3 1.8%


Dectomax 1 0.6%


DeLice Pour-on 2 1.2%


Difuel Injectable 1 0.6%


Durasect 1 0.6%


Eprinomectin 9 5.4%


Ivermectin 4 2.4%


Lysoff 2 1.2%


Pyrenone (or other pyrethrin plus synergist) 1 0.6%


Used oil 1 0.6%


Dusts Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 4 2.4%


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 25 15.0%


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 11 6.6%


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 5 3.0%


DeLice Pour-on 1 0.6%


IBA 1 0.6%








Table 24. Insecticides Used by County

County Type of Insecticide # of Records


Allegany Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 2


Pyrethrins plus synergist 3


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 2


Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 1


Durasect 1


Cattaraugus Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 1


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 3


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 1


Ectiban, Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 1


Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 3


Chautauqua Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 3


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 3


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 1


Ectiban, Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 1


Ectrin (fenvalerate) 1


Permectrin (ot other permethrin formulations) 1


Pyrethrins plus synergist 2


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 1


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2


Delaware Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 21


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 43


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 3


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 17


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 2


Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 4


Ectrin (fenvalerate) 4


Malathion 2


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 8


Pyrethrins plus synergist 19


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 8


Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 5


Taktic (amitraz) 2


Tempo (or other cyfluthrin formulations) 3


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 3


3-M Spray 1


Coumaphos 4


DeLice Pour-on 3


Eprinomectin 5


Ivermectin 3


Orkin Pest Control 9


Pyrenone (or other pyrethrin plus synergist formulations) 1


Erie Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 2


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 3


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 1


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 2


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 2


Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 1


Jefferson Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 37


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 62


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 3


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 10


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 1


Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 5


Malathion 4


Methoxychlor 1


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 19


Pyrethrins plus synergist 37


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 19


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 10


Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 3


Taktic (amitraz) 5


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2


Vigilante (diflubenzuron) 1


Boss 1


C-EM-DIE 2


Coumaphos 2


D furl Ten Count Back Rub 1


Dectomax 1


Eprinomectin 4


IBA 2


IND Food Handling Spray 1


Lysoff 2


Orkin Pest Control 9


pyrenone 1


Sodium hypochlorite 2


Sure Kill 2


Used oil 1


Lewis Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 2


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 3


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1


Taktic (amitraz) 2


Madison Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 3


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 1


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 1


Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 2


Pyrenthrins plus synergist 2


Taktic (amitraz) 1


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2


Ivermectin 1


Montgomery Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 1


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


St. Lawrence Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 1


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 1


Pyrethrins plus synergist 1


Boss 1


Sullivan Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 1


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 3


Malathion 2


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 1


Tompkins/Cayuga Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 1


Pyrenthrins plus synergist 2


Wyoming Apache, Golden Malrin (or other methomyl bait formulations) 6


Atroban, Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 13


Ciodrin (or other crotoxphos formulations) 2


Co-Ral (or other coumaphos formulations) 6


Cygon (or other dimethoate formulations) 1


Ectiban, Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 1


Permectrin (or other permethrin formulations) 2


Pyrethrins plus synergist 7


Rabon (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 6


Rabon Oral Larvicide (or other tetrachlorvinphos formulations) 2


Taktic (amitraz) 3


Tempo (or other cyfluthrin formulations) 4


Vapona, Ciovap (or other dichlorvos formulations) 2


Boss 1


Difuel Injectable 1


Eprinomectin 3






Table 25 represents materials used by dairy producers to control pests on their dairy cattle. The table lists materials by trade name, active ingredient(s), EPA registration number, number of records indicating use, total amount of product applied, and total amount of active ingredient applied.


Table 25. Summary of Insecticides Use by NYS Dairy Livestock Producers



Product
Active
Ingredient
EPA
Reg. No.
No.
Records
Total Amt.
Prod.
Total Amt.
A.I.

Cygon 2E dimethoate
2393-377
2
1.25 gal
2.500 lbs


Marlate 50WP
methoxychlor

41014-2

1

1.00 lb

0.500 lbs


Synergized Delice





    Pour-on permethrin
773-72
1
0.50 gal
0.036 lbs


PBO
773-72
1
0.50 gal
0.036 lbs


Atroban Extra Eartags
permethrin

773-78

2

44.00 tags

0.092 lbs


PBO
773-78
2
44.00 tags
0.120 lbs








Atroban Delice Pour-on permethrin
773-66
1
3.00 gal
0.195 lbs








Boss Pour-on permethrin
773-82
2
2.26 gal
0.735 lbs








Taktic 12.5% EC amitraz
54382-3
9
2.91 gal
2.759 lbs








Co-Ral Livestock Insect





    Spray coumaphos
11556-115
1
3.00 gal
1.500 lbs








Cutter Gold Cattle Ear
    Tags		 cyfluthrin
11556-106
1
20.00 tags
0.060 lbs








Co-Ral 1% Dust coumaphos
11556-14
20
351.00 lbs
3.510 lbs








Lysoff Pour-on fenthion
11556-48
2
1.50 gal
0.789 lbs








Vigilante Controlled-





    Release Bolus diflubenzuron
400-472
1
50.00 boluses
0.524 lbs








Vapona Insecticide





    Dairy Cattle Spray dichlorvos
2217-332
1
6.00 gal
11.400 lbs








Permectrin Dairy





    Cattle Dust permethrin
4691-110
3
62.00 lbs
0.155 lbs








McNessPyrenone





    Dairy Aerosol pyrethrins
47000-69
2
30 lbs
0.150 lbs


PBO
47000-69
2
30 lbs
1.500 lbs








SK Pyrethrin Plus pyrethrins
4866-3
8
58.25 gal
0.003 lbs


PBO
4866-3
8
58.25 gal
0.007 lbs


dichlorvos
4866-3
8
58.25 gal
0.034 lbs


bicycloheptene
4866-3
8
58.25 gal
0.010 lbs








IBA Dual-Kill Fly Spray pyrethrins
4866-3
1
5.00 gal
0.003 lbs


PBO
4866-3
1
5.00 gal
0.007 lbs


dichlorvos
4866-3
1
5.00 gal
0.031 lbs








Ectrin Insecticide Cattle





    Ear Tag fenvalerate
56493-1
2
80.00 tags
0.141 lbs








Golden Malrin Fly Bait methomyl
2724-274
39
156.19 lbs
1.562 lbs









Product
Active
Ingredient
EPA
Reg. No.
No.
Records
Total Amt.
Prod.
Total Amt.
A.I.

LD-44 Dairy and Farm





    Insect Fogger pyrethrins
499-208
6
769.12 oz
0.007 lbs


PBO
499-208
6
769.12 oz
0.014 lbs


bicycloheptene
499-208
6
769.12 oz
0.014 lbs








ULD BP-50 pyrethrins
499-453
1
7.50 gal
0.033 lbs


PBO
499-453
1
7.50 gal
0.329 lbs








Y-Tex Brute Pour-on permethrin
39039-7
1
32.00 oz
0.175 lbs








IBA Attract'n Kill methomyl
53871-3
2
25.00 lbs
0.250 lbs








3M Animal Care pyrethrins
10350-26
1
32.00 oz
0.030 lbs


PBO
10350-26
1
32.00 oz
0.260 lbs








Permectrin CDS Pour-on permethrin
4691-121
1
1.08 gal
0.573 lbs


PBO
4691-121
1
1.08 gal
0.573 lbs








Apache Fly Bait methomyl
270-255
5
23.50 lbs
0.235 lbs








Dairy Aerosol PY-83 pyrethrins
9444-21
4
22.50 lbs
0.068 lbs


PBO
9444-21
4
22.50 lbs
0.540 lbs









IBA "Kill" Fly Spray
PBO

572-246

2

25.00 gal

0.475 lbs


dichlorvos
572-246
2
25.00 gal
0.400 lbs


pyrethrins
572-246
2
25.00 gal
0.050 lbs








IBA Super "Kill" Fly





    Spray pyrethrins
572-278
1
5.00 gal
0.040 lbs


PBO
572-278
1
5.00 gal
0.165 lbs








Ciodrin Concentrate ciodrin
572-119
1
0.13 gal
0.260 lbs








C-EM-DIE Dairy,





    Livestock and Barn





    Spray PBO
572-246
5
37.00 gal
8.510 lbs


dichlorvos
572-246
5
37.00 gal
0.777 lbs


pyrethrins
572-246
5
37.00 gal
0.111 lbs








Farm and Home Fly
    Spray		 pyrethrins
9444-170
2
50.00 lbs
0.150 lbs


PBO
9444-170
2
50.00 lbs
1.200 lbs








Agway Dairy Aerosol pyrethrins
9444-88
1
4.00 lbs
0.020 lbs


PBO
9444-88
1
4.00 lbs
0.040 lbs


bicycloheptene
9444-88
1
4.00 lbs
0.067 lbs








Expar Pour-on Insecticide permethrin
59-215
4
10.31 gal
0.670 lbs








Ectiban EC permethrin
59-214
26
114.59 gal
47.841 lbs








Ectiban DeLice Pour-on permethrin
59-215
19
107.00 gal
6.955 lbs








Atroban Extra Ear Tags permethrin
59-237
2
44 tags
0.092 lbs


PBO
59-237
2
44 tags
0.120 lbs








Insectrin EC permethrin
59-214
2
0.50 gal
0.209 lbs








Atroban DeLice Pour-on permethrin
59-215
1
3.00 gal
0.195 lbs








Atroban 11% EC permethrin
59-201
4
3.25 gal
2.782 lbs








Agway Louse Powder coumaphos
8590-452
1
25.00 lbs
0.250 lbs









Product
Active
Ingredient
EPA
Reg. No.
No.
Records
Total Amt.
Prod.
Total Amt.
A.I.

Livestock and Farm





    Spray pyrethrins
8590-571
1
2.50 gal
0.063 lbs


PBO
8590-571
1
2.50 gal
0.125 lbs


bicycloheptene
8590-571
1
2.50 gal
0.208 lbs








Ectiban D permethrin
59-212
8
33.56 lbs
0.084 lbs








Ectiban WP permethrin
59-213
1
0.38 lbs
0.095 lbs








Hopkins Vapona





    Livestock Spray dichlorvos
2393-480
1
6.00 gal
12.000 lbs








Surge Foaming Cleanser n-Alkyl dimethyl
1769-283
1
0.75 lbs
0.001 lbs


benzyl amm. chloride











Durvet Dairy Bomb-55 pyrethrins
47000-73
1
600.00 oz
0.009 lbs


PBO
47000-73
1
600.00 oz
0.019 lbs


bicycloheptene
47000-73
1
600.00 oz
0.019 lbs








Tempo 2 cyfluthrin
3125-372
2
31.00 gal
62.000 lbs








Rabon 1% Dust tetrachlorvinphos
34704-276
7
117.50 lbs
1.175 lbs








IBA Dairy and Beef





Cattle Dust tetrachlorvinphos
34704-276
1
20.00 lbs
0.200 lbs






Dairy producers used "presence of pests" (80.2%) and "animal discomfort" (73.7%) most often as the criteria for deciding whether or not to apply pesticides (Table 26). Some other criteria such as "personal discomfort" (48.5%), "reduced performance" (28.1%), "suggestion from veterinarian or other professional" (26.9%) and "treat on a routine schedule" (21.0%) were also indicated. Cost (1.8%) was the least indicated criteria for applying a pesticide.


Table 26. Decision Criteria

Criterion # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Advice of other farmers 12 7.2%

Animal Discomfort 123 73.7%

Complaints/concerns from neighbors 2 1.2%

Cost 3 1.8%

Personal discomfort 81 48.5%

Presence of pests 134 80.2%

Reduced performance 47 28.1%

Suggestion from Cooperative Extension agent/specialist 9 5.4%

Suggestion from veterinarian or other professional 45 26.9%

Suggestion of chemical salesperson 7 4.2%

Treat on routine schedule 35 21.0%




Total: 498





Producers indicated that they chose a specific pesticide for use on their dairy cattle based on past success with a product (53.3%), followed closely by recommendation from a farm supply dealer (41.3%) and recommendation by a veterinarian (37.7%) (Table 27).


Table 27. Information Sources

Source # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Magazine, radio or TV advertisement 16 9.6%

Past success with product 89 53.3%

Recommendation by another farmer/grower 21 12.6%

Recommendation by chemical salesperson 17 10.2%

Recommendation by Cooperative Extension 120 12.0%

Recommendation by farm supply dealer 69 41.3%

Recommendation by veterinarian 63 37.7%

Availability 1 0.6%

Common Sense 1 0.6%

Crop consultant 2 1.2%




Total: 299





Most (33.1%) dairy producers spent between $100.00 and $299.00 in 1997 on insecticides for fly control. Producers also spent between $50.00 and $99.00 (25.8%) on insecticides for external parasite control (Tables 28 and 29).


Table 28. Amount Spent on Insecticides for Fly Control

Amount Per Year # of
Responses		 % of
Records (154)

$0.00 7 4.5%

Less than $10.00 1 0.6%

$10.00 to $49.00 32 20.8%

$50.00 to $99.00 29 18.8%

$100.00 to $299.00 51 33.1%

$300.00 to $499.00 19 12.3%

$500.00 to $700.00 8 5.2%

Over $700.00 7 4.5%




Total: 154







Table 29. Amount Spent on Insecticides for External Parasite Control

Amount Per Year # of
Responses		 % of
Records (120)

$10.00 to $49.00 24 20.0%

$50.00 to $99.00 31 25.8%

$100.00 to $299.00 26 21.7%

$300.00 to $499.00 16 13.3%

$500.00 to $700.00 9 7.5%

Over $700.00 3 2.5%

$0.00 11 9.2%




Total: 120





Storage and disposal of pesticides are summarized in Tables 30-32. The most common storage site was within an area in the barn (70.0%) followed by a separate storage facility (16.7%). A majority of dairy producers indicated that they carried pesticides over to the next season (74.3%). Most respondents (49.7%) indicated that they disposed of empty pesticide containers in a landfill after triple-rinsing. The next highest response was burning empty pesticide containers (35.3%).


Table 30. Pesticide Storage Practices

Practice # of
Responses		 % of
Records (150)

Separate storage facility 25 16.7%

In an area within the barn 105 70.0%

Tool shed 9 6.0%

Garage 2 1.3%

Basement of house 4 2.7%

Buy only what I need at that time 1 0.7%

Do not store 2 1.3%

Utility room 2 1.3%




Total: 150







Table 31. Disposal of Unused Pesticides

Method # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Use in one season 3 1.8%

Spray on non-cropland areas 1 0.6%

Sell to other farmers/growers 1 0.6%

Return to pesticide manufacturer/dealer 10 6.0%

Pesticide clean up program 1 0.6%

Landfill 18 10.8%

Carry over to next season 124 74.3%

Buy only what I need at the time 1 0.6%

Burying 5 3.0%




Total: 164







Table 32. Disposal of Pesticide Containers

Method # of
Responses		 % of
Records (167)

Burning 59 35.3%

Burying 8 4.8%

Don't dispose, use the pails for other things 1 0.6%

Landfill 2 1.2%

Landfill after triple-rinsing 83 49.7%

Recycle 1 0.6%

Recycle after triple-rinsing 1 0.6%

Return to pesticide manufacturer/dealer 5 3.0%

Triple-rinse and then burn 1 0.6%

Triple-rinse and then to an incinerator/town pick-up 1 0.6%




Total: 162




Conclusions


          New York state dairy producers, for the most part, managed their milking herds in stanchion barns with access to pastures. Scraping was the primary method of cleaning barns to remove manure. Manure removal was once or twice per day. Indoor pens with manure removal once per day were the primary method of housing and cleaning out calves. These practices were consistent with those reported in the 1991 survey (Partridge et al, 1992) of NYS dairy producers.

          Flies on pastured cattle were indicated as the pests causing an economic loss to their operations in NYS. Flies in and around the barn were ranked second highest. These pests were also ranked as the most difficult to control with currently registered active ingredients. Presence of pest and animal discomfort were the main criteria for determining when to use pesticides on their dairy animals. The majority of survey respondents reported that past success, farm supply dealer, and veterinarian recommendations were their primary criteria for determining what pesticides to use against pests. Disappointingly, Cooperative Extension did not rank very highly as an information source that New York dairy producers were utilizing. This is a lower ranking than in the 1991 survey.

          Fly baits were primarily used for fly control in and around the barn. Space sprays were the next most popular method of control. Products that contained permethrin or pyrethrins plus synergist were used against flies, lice and mites by a significant portion of respondents. Most producers did not use oral formulations or residual sprays for fly control in and around the barn. A number of survey respondents used pyrethrin plus synergist formulations in the milk room for fly control. Permethrin animal sprays were used the most for fly control on pastured cattle and for louse and mite control.

          According to Geden and Rutz (1991), the house fly has developed very high levels of resistance to the insecticides available (registered) for its control. Therefore, dairy producers are in need of alternative methods for improved pest suppression. Fly control on farms using a combination of parasitoid releases, frequent bedding/manure removal and avoidance of insecticides that are harmful to the parasitoids has been shown to be twice as effective as on conventionally managed farms, while reducing insecticide usage by 80% (Geden and Rutz, 1991). In addition, cost to the dairy producer for increased frequency of removal of manure/bedding has been shown to be minimal while reducing or eliminating the cost of insecticides (Lazarus, et al., 1989).

          New York dairy producers practiced some form of alternative, non-chemical pest control. Manure management was the most frequently indicated method used. A significant number of producers were also using fly ribbons and baited traps for control of flies. A comparison of data from the 1991 dairy survey to this survey indicated that producers still show an interest in the use of biocontrols such as predators and parasites, but use of these controls has remained the same. During 1997, most New York dairy producers spent between $100.00 and $299.00 annually for fly control and between $50.00 and $99.00 for other pests, such as lice, mange, cattle grubs, gnats and ticks. This cost is similar to the 1991 survey. Chemical fly control costs have remained the same, while cost for other pest control (i.e. lice, mange, cattle grubs, gnats and ticks) has increased.

          Most dairy producers are disposing of empty containers properly. Also, unused pesticides are being stored for the following season. The most popular place for storage of unused pesticides is still within an area in the barn.



Next