I'll just make a small contribution to this discussion. I use to use tags here in Central Texas, according to label directions. Some tags 1 per animal, others required a tag in both ears. I alternated tags with different chemical components, which I think is a must for this method of control to be effective. We would work the calves in the spring which was a little to early to tag the cows and the tag's effectiveness ended in August, when we needed maximum control. Even with altering the different kinds of tags they soon became less and less effective. Why? fly resistance to the control being used. Why? Because I mis managed the use of the tag. They should be removed from the animal toward the end of their useful period. The control dose becomes so minimal that the fly can develope tolerance to that control, which demands alternating tags containing different controls. That means another trip thru the working pens. I prefer the back rub method used in combination with sprays etc. However, I do think tags are a useful and effective management tool if used correctly in the right situation, such as where penning is not a big issue. Tags are being improved every year.
What about using fly tags for
> insect control? My folks swear by
> them. My feed store guy says put
> one on the mama and one on the
> calf and both will be covered...
> but I will probably put the tags
> in both ears on each animal. What
> does everyone think about the
> tags, pro and con?
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