Impacts of Altosid insect growth regulator on horn fly populations in Canada: Supplement intake and fecal residue concentrations of Methoprene Lead Scientist – Dr. Obioha Durunna
Duration – July 2 to Sept. 5, 2024
Introduction This study examined the effects of supplementing grazing cow-calf pairs and heifers in western Canada with Altosid IGR-infused mineral supplements, compared to standard mineral supplements. The goal was to generate practical, science-based data for Canadian beef producers deciding whether to use Altosid IGR as part of their fly control strategy. Researchers specifically aimed to answer these questions:
Does feeding Altosid IGR reduce horn fly abundance in treated herds versus controls? How does Altosid IGR supplementation affect overall mineral intake and cattle performance? Are the concentrations of S-Methoprene (the active ingredient) in supplements and manure at levels known to disrupt horn fly life cycles? The active ingredient, S-Methoprene (SMP), an insect growth regulator (IGR), controls horn flies by disrupting their life cycle. It prevents the development of horn fly larvae into pupae and/or pupae into adults when ingested by cattle and passed through their manure. This disrupts the horn fly's life cycle, reducing the overall population of adult horn flies. According to the product label, the concentration of SMP 0.01 per cent in the supplement is about 100 ppm, but about 0.08 ppm in the dung pat, which should be an effective dose to prevent immature horn flies from developing.
S-methoprene extraction