Description:
Organic pig farmers have noted an increase in the number of flies since they transferred from regular to organic pig production. Flies can be a serious pest in animal production and can be considered a welfare problem. They irritate livestock and workers, cause financial loss by decreasing the production of farm animals, give a bad perception to visitors and can even transmit contagious diseases to livestock and humans. Because of the availability of vast quantities of manure, pig units provide a perfect environment for the breeding, feeding and landing of various types of flies: e.g. stable flies (Stomoxis calcitrans), the common house fly (Musca domestica), and the lesser housefly (Fannia canicularis). Of these species, the house fly is most frequently encountered around stables and can be considered illustrative.
Research objectives:
The objectives of this project are to reduce irritation caused by flies on organic pig farms. First of all we will conduct a literature survey to investigate new developments in this field. Subsequently we will interview organic pig farmers about the problem and how they prevent it. At the same time a quantitative assessment will be performed concerning the presence of flies on the farm premises. In the second year of the project we will perform an intervention on farms which will deal with both prevention and (biological) control methods of the fly problem
Results and products:
The end product will be a report including literature survey, interview results and intervention data on organic pig farms. A plastic leaflet will be made indicating the best methods to control flies on the farm. Where possible we will also collaborate with the Wellfare project organic cows . We also plan to write a scientific paper. Results of the project can also be presented at meetings of the Dutch Association for Organic Pig Farmers. |
