Collaborative project: Comparison of innovative methods effectively reducing insect burden in stables, Subproject 2

Project

Project code: 28RZ372055
Contract period: 01.04.2016 - 31.03.2019
Budget: 240,721 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research

This project aims to record the abundance of veterinary important insects (Muscidae, Ceratopogonidae), to pinpoint their major farm breeding sites, and to compare the relative importance of different breeding sites in and around stables. Innovative, mechanical control measures, invented to impede or decrease the insect burden in stables, will be applied: a specific technique to clean slatted floors, and another specific method targeting a mechanical disturbance of litter beddings and manure. In addition, fly abundances in stables will be reduced by parasitic wasps and black dump flies. All effects will be compared with effects of insecticide treatments. All studies and analyses intend to improve applicable techniques or optimize management instructions, which are ready to reduce the insect abundance.The working plan contains three work packages (see point 5 of project description): 1. recording of the abundance of medically important adult insects in stables and farmyards; 2. recording of the emergence from major insect breeding sites; and 3. comparative studies to improve and optimize control measures on organic and conventional cattle farms. 19 milestones pinpoint intermediate results. They constitute the progress of this project and the basic structure for all partners in this consortium. The University Oldenburg is responsible for 15 milestones. Comparing effects on organic and conventional farms is a major focus. Due to the comparatively high abundance of insects, all studies will be carried out during the major flight seasons of 2016-2018. Data analysis will last several months. When milestones are scheduled these data provide basic information for consecutive experiments.

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