Stripes Protect Japanese Black Cattle from Biting Insects
In Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, a three-year experiment has shown that white stripes created with bleach can protect Japanese Black cattle from blood-feeding insects. This finding offers a promising solution for farmers who rely on grazing cattle for their livelihood.
Stripes Reduce Stress and Enhance Cattle Well-being
Cattle grazing in fields provide numerous benefits to farmers, including reduced feed and labor costs and utilization of idle farmland. However, these animals are vulnerable to biting insects like gadflies and cattle flies, which cause pain and itchiness, leading to stress and decreased reproductive capacity. Additionally, bites from disease-carrying insects can make cattle sick.
Stripes Mimic Zebras' Protection
A previous study in Aichi Prefecture demonstrated the effectiveness of stripes in deterring flies from black-colored cattle. Building on this research, a team from the Yamagata prefectural government conducted experiments from 2021 to 2023 to confirm the effectiveness of stripes on Japanese Black cattle in their region.
Stripes Reduce Insect Harassment
Researchers created 3-4 cm wide white stripes on the cattle's coats using bleach or white spray. The results were immediate and significant. Cattle without stripes exhibited insect-avoidance behaviors like tail wagging, head shaking, and hoof raising 16 times per minute. In contrast, striped cattle displayed these behaviors only 5 times per minute, a 70% reduction.
Stripes Offer Long-lasting Protection
The bleach-created stripes lasted for approximately a month and a half, while the white spray stripes lasted for about a week. Both methods effectively protected the cattle from gadflies and cattle flies.
Farmers Embrace the Striped Solution
The experiment's findings and positive farmer feedback were published in agricultural leaflets. One farmer initially skeptical of the stripes was astonished to witness their effectiveness firsthand. He observed a significant reduction in tail wagging among striped cattle compared to their non-striped counterparts. Additionally, he noted no instances of ostracized striped cattle, alleviating his initial concerns.
This research offers a practical and cost-effective solution for protecting cattle from biting insects, improving their well-being, and potentially enhancing their reproductive capacity. As farmers continue to adopt this innovative approach, the benefits for both cattle and farmers are expected to grow.