QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF S. CALCITRANS INFESTATION IN COWS SUFFERED SKIN DEFECTS, GRAZED ON TWO PASTURE TYPES

Laurentius J.M. Rumokoy, Marie Najoan, Meis J. Nangoy, Heidy Manangkot, Geetruida J.V. Assa, Wisje Lusia Toar

Abstract
    The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the Stomoxys calcitrans flies on Ongole-Crossbred (OC) cows suffered skin defects. This cross-sectional study used OC cows grazed in two pasture sites, namely under coconut canopy and on open grassland with a seven-day rotation system for each location. A sample collection of flies used a swipe net sized 23 cm X 35 cm. The result showed that the total of flies found in cows under the coconut canopy was 143 higher than in cows grazed on open land which reached 106 individuals. Diversity index of flies which activity in cows grazed in these two locations is categorized as 'medium' level. The abundance of S. calcitrans in OC cows grazed under the canopy compared to open land was significantly different (P <0.05). Skin defects that occurred in the cows in both locations are not only related to the role of S. calcitrans but also with other insects that interacted on the cow's skin, especially Haematobia irritans as blood-sucking flies.

Key words: flies; insect diversity; cows; crop cultivation