In a recent study conducted by the Okitama branch of the Yamagata prefectural government, it was discovered that white stripes created with bleach on grazing black-haired Japanese Black cattle not only offered them a fashionable "zebra look" but also served as a natural protection against blood-feeding insects like gadflies and cattle flies. The researchers found that the presence of these stripes significantly reduced the stress levels of the cattle, which could potentially lead to improved reproductive power and overall well-being for the animals.
The experiment, which took place over three years, aimed to address the vulnerability of outdoor cattle to insect bites, which can cause pain, itchiness, and even sickness due to disease-carrying bugs. By implementing 3-4 centimeter wide stripes using bleach or white spray on the cattle's coats, the researchers observed an immediate positive effect. The cattle with these artificial stripes exhibited behaviors such as wagging their tails, shaking their heads, and raising their hooves less frequently, indicating a reduced interaction with insects compared to their unstriped counterparts.
The findings of the experiment were met with surprise and approval from cattle farmers in Oguni, Yamagata Prefecture, who noted that the striped cattle appeared to be more relaxed, healthier, and less bothered by biting insects. Despite initial skepticism, farmers reported positive observations, including a decrease in insect-related stress behaviors and no instances of ostracism towards the striped cattle from conventional-looking peers. The success of using bleach stripes as a natural insect repellent offers a promising solution for farmers seeking to mitigate the impact of blood-feeding insects on their cattle while enhancing their overall well-being during grazing in fields.