Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXII, Issue 1
Written by Wisje Lusia TOAR, Cathrien RAHASIA, Constantine SUMOLANG, Franky OROH, Ivone UNTU, Marie NAJOAN
Recently the average of national production of local beef cattle in Indonesia tends to decline. On the other hand, insect infestations, especially flies in cattle become one of the problems that cause a damage in cow skin and also inhibits local cattle production. This research aimed to evaluate the responses of small-scale local cattle farmers regarding infestation of flies and their consequences which they traditionally manage. The research method used was the descriptive method through a field surveys conducted in 12 small-scale local cattle farmers in Minahasa area and 12 others in Tomohon and North Minahasa. The results showed that the highest number of 42% of respondents who were disagree to say that flies have a potential to transmit disease to cattle, while 25% strongly were agree, the rest give varied opinions. Various responses to flies play a role in skin defects: The highest percentage who agreed with the number are those who say they disagree, that is 33%, who agree to 25%. Through an interview, it was directly shown that limit knowledge about insects resulted low understanding on the potential role of flies that caused a skin defect. However, 25% of respondents were aware that when in such cases appeared than a consultation with livestock health officers was needed.
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