Development of biological and technical solutions for blood-sucking insects to reduce numbers around grazing animals

Summary

The bites of blood-sucking insects cause considerable suffering to grazing animals, with significant economic losses. Various studies have shown that intensive insect attack can significantly reduce the productivity of livestock. In Estonia, grazing is the main method of producing meat from beef cattle, including a very high proportion of herds on heritage pastures, which are located far from intensive farming areas, and therefore, depending on the summer if there is suitable temperature and humidity conditions, the number of insects that disturb cattle is very high. The aim of our activities was to find environmentally friendly tools, practices and methods also suitable for organic production to reduce the disturbance of insects that bother cattle during the grazing period.