Cows painted with zebra stripes have been shown to be an effective way to keep flies in line. This method of fly control is based on the idea that flies are attracted to the movement and color of animals, and the stripes on a zebra mimic the movement of flies, making it difficult for them to land on the animal.
The concept of painting cows with zebra stripes to repel flies was first introduced by a group of researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2011. They found that cows painted with zebra stripes had a significant reduction in the number of flies landing on them, compared to unpainted cows. The researchers attributed this to the stripes creating a visual illusion that confuses the flies, making it difficult for them to land on the animal.
The study was conducted on a farm in Queensland, Australia, where the researchers painted half of the cows with zebra stripes and left the other half unaltered as control. They found that the cows painted with zebra stripes had a reduction of up to 70% in the number of flies landing on them, compared to the unaltered cows. This reduction in fly numbers is significant as flies can cause a range of problems for cows, including irritation, reduced milk production, and even infection.
The researchers also found that the effectiveness of the zebra stripes in repelling flies was not affected by the color of the paint used. This means that any color can be used, as long as it creates the illusion of stripes.
Since then, several other studies have been conducted and they have all shown that painting cows with zebra stripes can be an effective method of fly control. The method is relatively simple and inexpensive, and it does not involve the use of chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly option.
It is important to note that while the research has shown that painting cows with zebra stripes can be an effective method of fly control, it is not a substitute for other fly control measures. A comprehensive fly control program that includes a combination of methods is likely to be the most effective.
As a result of the success of these studies, many farmers have started to adopt this method of fly control on their farms. The process of painting the cows is relatively simple and can be done by the farmers themselves or by a professional. The cows are first washed and then the stripes are painted on using a special non-toxic paint that is safe for the animals. The paint is water-resistant, so it can withstand the elements and the cows can continue to graze as normal.
The benefits of this method of fly control are numerous. Not only do the cows experience a reduction in the number of flies landing on them, but they also experience less irritation and discomfort, which leads to increased milk production and overall better health. Additionally, the use of non-toxic paint ensures that the cows and the environment are not exposed to harmful chemicals.
Despite the success of this method, some farmers have raised concerns about the cost of the paint and the time and effort required to paint the cows. However, many farmers have found that the benefits outweigh the costs and that it is a worthwhile investment in the long term.
In conclusion, the use of zebra-striped painted cows as a method of fly control is a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly way to reduce the number of flies on a farm. It not only benefits the cows by reducing irritation and discomfort, but it also leads to increased milk production and overall better health. As a result, it is a method that many farmers are now turning to as a part of their fly control program.