Project properties
Title Testing biological a stable fly control protocol in a grazing herd in the Netherlands
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type internship
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Rozan van Rossum (Lely)
Marjolein Derks (WUR)
Martine Kos (WUR)
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. M. Dicke
Contact info Rozan van Rossum <rvanrossum@lely.com>
Begin date 2024/04/01
End date 2024/10/31
Description Location: Dobbelhoeve, Udenhout, NL
Period: April – October 2024
Involved parties: Bestico, Lely International, Dobbelhoeve, Kaasboerderij Matthijsen

Goal:
Test effectiveness of a protocol using beneficial insects in the barn and fly traps outside of the barn to control stable flies in a grazing farm.

Introduction:
Koppert/Bestico is a world leader in the production and use of beneficial insects. After being active in horticulture and agriculture for decades, they have more recently expanded their activities to animal husbandry. Starting with pigs and poulty, they moved on to dairy cattle.

The Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) is a notorious pest that significantly impacts milk production in livestock. These blood-feeding insects are a common menace in dairy farms, causing distress to both cattle and farmers alike. Unlike other flies, Stable flies use their piercing mouthparts to feed on blood, causing painful bites and discomfort to dairy cows. The continuous harassment by Stable flies not only leads to stress in dairy cattle but also results in a decrease in milk production. Additionally, the bites from Stable flies can cause open sores, making the cows susceptible to infections that further compromise their health.

Stable fly management often uses chemical control or biological control, but results are not yet optimum. A new integrated pest management strategy is being tested and is composed of trapping system and use of beneficial for pest management. Beneficials will suppress the immature stage of the stable fly when trapping system will be dedicated to adult control. Beneficials will suppress the immature stage of the stable fly when trapping system will be dedicated to adult control.

Lely and Bestico have been collaborating in pilot studies over the last summers to make this a successful strategy for fly control. Results in housed dairy cows and calves are promising, but many farms that are interested in biological fly control, also graze their cows. To complete their portfolio Bestico has developed a fly trap that can be used outside the barn, in the pasture. When this trap is combined with a protocolar control program in the barn, flies can effectively be fought.

The summer of 2023 was used for preliminary testing, with satisfying results. In the fly season of 2024, we would like to quantify the results and compare them with a nearby control farm.

Test set-up:
Place stable fly traps on Dobbelhoeve and Kaasboerderij
Use beneficial insects in the barn, following the Bestico protocol in Dobbelhoeve
Data collection: data from Astronaut on milkings and milk production, insect collection (monthly) in traps
Use welfare scoring to evaluate animal welfare

Task description:
The student will be asked to carry out both practical tasks, such as applying the beneficial insects, checking the traps, insect collection from the traps, and participate in data collection on animal welfare and productivity. Data analysis and reporting is a part of the internship.

Used skills
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or Research Practice at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806 + a second ENT-course (preferably ENT-30306 or ENT-50806 or ENT-53806). As an alternative for the second ENT-course, PHP-30806 or BHE-30306 can be selected.
For doing an Internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806.
Note: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should check the requirements for doing an ENT MSc-thesis, Research Practice or Internship in the study programme of their specialisation.