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Margins being squeezed due to increasing costs of production, coupled with sharply eroding support payments, means sheep farmers need to do everything possible to optimise efficiency and flock performance.

Actions farmers need to take include steps to maximise the efficacy of animal health treatments, with correct administration key to delivering the best results and return on investment.

As we head into fly season, Matt Colston, a vet from Elanco Animal Health, says improper application of insect growth regulators, such as products in the CLiK range, can be costly and risk a reduction in control levels.

Application

He says: While many farmers have successfully been applying CLiK for many years, it is worthwhile remembering that application technique and timing are important to achieving optimal levels of control and avoiding wastage.

To get the most out of preventive fly control treatments, Mr Colston recommends application early in the season and taking the following steps:

• Use an appropriate applicator gun with a fan spray nozzle and be sure to carefully calibrate it before use
• Ensure you are applying to a clean fleece, clipping and dagging any dirty animals before application
• Apply the product in a band about 10cm wide (holding the gun about 45cm from the sheep)
• Apply the total required dose one quarter at a time, using the four-stroke method:
  1 Mid-shoulder to middle of back
  2 Middle of back to top of tail
  3 One side of tail to crutch
  4 Other side of tail to crutch
• Take care to overlap each stroke to allow CLiKs Fleecebind formulation to evenly spread over the fleece to achieve full protection

Dos and donts of fly control

• Do treat based on the weight of your animal
• Do calibrate your applicator before use
• Do make sure you are using the right product for the right animal CLiK EXTRA is often the best option early in the season, offering longer lasting protection
• Dont apply to sheep in a race, product could be rubbed off before it binds into the fleece
• Dont apply to a dirty fleece
• Dont apply to a wet sheep or in wet weather