An Integrated, Homemade, Portable Salt/ Mineral Feeder and

An Integrated, Homemade, Portable Salt/
Mineral Feeder and External Parasite
Control Cattle Rub Tool
•
•
•
•
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Nutrition
Fly, Lice, Grub, and Tick Control
Rotational Grazing Forage Management
Grazing Livestock Management
R.L. Dalrymple, Forage Management Agronomist (Retired)
Agricultural Division
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
NF-FO-02-03
Literature Cited
Anon. 1991. Flytrap plans. Univ. of Mo. Agri. Engr. Dept. Columbia, MO. Plan: 1-904-C6. Three
sheets.
Anon. 2000. Progressive Farmer brand awareness study conducted for P.H. White. Available from
P.H. White Co. P.O. Box 155. Dyersburg, TN 38095-0155.
Anon. 2001a. Ditch the flies. Progressive Farmer. March issue. p. 65.
Anon. 2001b. Farnam Equipment Company. 301 West Osborn. Phoenix, AZ 85013. Catalog. Ph: 1-800-267-9211. Web: www.farnamequipment.com.
Cocke, J. Jr., R. Knutson, and D. K. Lunt. 1989. Effects of horn fly control with lambd cyhalothrin
ear tags on weight gains in weaning calves in Texas. Southwest Entomologist. Vol. 14. No. 4. p. 357362.
Dalrymple, R.L. 1999a. Homemade mineral feeder/cattle rub. Agri. News and Views. Noble
Foundation. Ardmore, OK 73401 Vol. 17. No. 5. June issue. P. 3.
Dalrymple, R.L. 1999b. Homemade portable salt/mineral feeder and external parasite/cattle rub. The
Forage Leader. Am. Forage and Grassld. Counc. Vol. 4. No. 2. p. 7.
DeRouen, S. M., L. D. Foil, J. W. Knox, and J. M. Turpin. 1995. Horn fly control and weight gains
of yearling beef cattle. Jour. of Econ. Ento. Vol. 88. No. 6. p. 666-668.
Foil, L. D., S. M. DeRouen, and D. G. Morrison. 1996. Economic benefits of horn fly control for
beef production. La. Agri. Vol. 39. No. 2. p. 12-13.
Gentry, R. 2001. From the farm. Agri. News and Views. Noble Foundation. Ardmore, OK 73401.
Vol. 19. No. 6. p. 1-2.
McTague, L. 2000. Ardmore, OK. Personal communication.
Roberts, J. E. and M. Saluta. 1982. Entomology test demonstrations. Vir. Polytechnic Inst. And State
Univ. Test Demonstration Rept. No. 20. Pp. 17-21.
White, P. H. 2001. P. O. Box 155. Dyersburg, TN. Personal communication.
A superb model of the tool with wide skids and a roof over the feeder.
Woulfe, G. 2000. Ardmore, OK. Personal communication.
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Cover Photograph:
Cattle Rub Tool
An Integrated, Homemade, Portable Salt/
Mineral Feeder and External Parasite Control
Cattle Rub Tool
• Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Nutrition
• Fly, Lice, Grub, and Tick Control
• Rotational Grazing Forage Management
• Grazing Livestock Management
Figure 49. An example of the tool positioned in a lane to force cattle to learn to use the tool.
Commercial Equipment
When we developed the first models of these all-inclusive tools for our own use, we were not
able to locate any commercial models that include all the parameters of use that we needed. Many
aspects were always missing and none were as portable as we needed the tool to be in rotational
stocking units. In recent times, there has been a commercial tool developed that has most of the
integrated parts of our homemade tool, but that tool is not readily portable and would have to be
outfitted with runners or wheels to work well in rotational stocking units. That unit also costs about
five- to ten-fold the materials cost of our good medium- to highest-cost models. Commercial salt
and mineral feeders and cattle rub tools can be located in trade magazines and from private brand
livestock equipment dealers.
R.L. Dalrymple, Forage Management Agronomist (Retired)
Agricultural Division
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Some graziers have expressed a desire to combine available commercial salt-mineral feeders
and a commercial cattle rub tool into one tool. This would include installation of runners or wheels
for portability. That is a viable idea that would shorten the construction time. The models in Figures
41(bottom) and 48 show ways this has been done. A schematic drawing of such a possible combined
tool illustrates another model of the idea (Figure 50). The maker of such a combined tool should be
sure that it can do all the jobs needed. Costs for materials would likely be more than for a homemade
tool.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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© 2002 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Inc.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Table Of Contents
Figure 46. A good tool for a more humid region. The cattle rub can be lowered on one end for small
cattle, and the legs and lower body of large cattle. (Photo courtesy Ted Slanker)
Preface..................................................................................................................iii
Acknowledgement...............................................................................................iii
Introduction........................................................................................................... 1
Summary............................................................................................................... 1
History.................................................................................................................. 5
Research................................................................................................................ 7
General Characteristics......................................................................................... 8
Some Cattle Benefits............................................................................................. 8
Economics........................................................................................................... 10
Limitations.......................................................................................................... 13
The Feeder and Cattle Rub Management............................................................ 14
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder........................................................... 14
Cattle Rub................................................................................................... 17
Fly Prevention and Control......................................................................... 17
Lice Prevention........................................................................................... 19
Grub Prevention.......................................................................................... 20
Tick Prevention........................................................................................... 20
Within All Functions................................................................................... 20
Pasture Management Uses.......................................................................... 21 Insecticides for Cattle Rubs and Dust Bags........................................................ 25
Materials and Construction Parameters.............................................................. 26
Schematic Diagram............................................................................................. 38
Accessories ........................................................................................................ 39
Other Successful Models.................................................................................... 46
Forced Use of the Cattle Rub.............................................................................. 49
Commercial Equipment...................................................................................... 50
One Final Comment............................................................................................ 51
Literature Cited................................................................................................... 52
Figure 47. Fly control is good on this Northwest Missouri ranch with this tool that only has the
cattle rub portion with face flips covered with a tarp for weather protection and cattle shade (bait).
(Photo courtesy Tom Graft)
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Cattle Rub Tool
Other Successful Models
Preface
A few private grazier models are shown, but there are more that are worthy of portrayal.
Grazier models previously mentioned are shown in Figures 9 (top), 39, 41 and 42. The model in
Figure 9 (top) is a tool made to fit a five foot cattle rub for smaller herds. It is a medium wide track,
well-built model for stocker cattle properly designed for multiple uses. The model in Figure 42 is
excellent and performs very well to control face and upper body flies.
Figures 41(top) and 44 show models made of wood and steel. A possible weakness of the
model in Figure 41 (bottom) is that is will not wipe insecticide on calves or the middle to lower
parts of large cattle. The models in Figures 41 (top) and 44 are excellent tools with all the important
characteristics.
Rotational stocking and the management of grazing livestock can range from very basic — even
incorrect and deficient — to very precise and totally correct. The desire to be correct in overall
management, including the interfacing of management of forage-livestock-human resources and
finance management lead to the development and multiple uses of the tool written about herein.
Some readers may think this extensive writing on such a simple-looking device is overdone. Bear
in mind, however, that the tool is actually very dynamic and its total success in all the interfacing
mentioned above depends on the proper construction and management of all aspects of the tool.
Total success with the tool depends on using it properly and on other possible intuitive and inventive
uses of the tool by the individual grazier.
This publication is primarily for the “do-it-yourself” grazier. Photographs are used to depict
the tool and its uses, to make it easier to grasp and to provide examples for construction. Some
important points are repeated to be sure they are read and understood.
Acknowledgements
Credit is given to the different Noble Foundation administrations over time for allowing the
author and co-workers to develop the tool models, experience their numerous uses and publish
this bulletin. The ultimate purpose was to help the practicing grazier, whether private operators,
demonstrators or researchers. The initial work was done on the Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit,
but some form of the tool was ultimately used on all Foundation farms and many private operations.
Special recognition is due co-workers who were an integral part of the early work with the tool.
They include Doug Grounds, Wayne Dobbs, Bret Flatt, Robert Carpenter, Russ Gentry, Devlon
Ford, Jerry Rogers and Shan Ingram. Special acknowledgment is given to Lawrence McTague,
DVM, and Gary Woulfe, DVM, for their advice on animal health aspects of the tool.
Figure 44. An excellent, wide track, tool for small to large cattle made of steel and wood.
courtesy Larry Gibson)
(Photo
Some Noble Foundation models have runners made in a star formation to prevent
overzealous cattle from tipping the tool over Figure 9 (bottom). This tool is discussed in more detail
by Gentry (2001). This illustration shows the technique of using insecticide ear tags on the cattle
rub part of the tool. This technique works fair to good for upper body fly control, but the wetted
cattle rubs work better. Fly tags used this way may be less costly than wetted cattle rubs and are less
messy. When fly tags are used in summer, other means of lice, tick, and grub control are needed.
The star runners allow the tool to be dragged easily from location to location in a paddock or unit on
relatively smooth ground. In bunch grass pastures there may be some difficulty when the bunches are
large and dense.
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Cattle Rub Tool
The author thanks Foundation reviewers Russell Stevens and Evan Whitley for their valuable
critique and also thanks the personnel of the Foundation’s Communications Department for
assistance in making the publication real. A special thank-you goes to Broderick Stearns for
photographic work, to Paul Horton for the diagram and layout design, to Tabby Campbell for word
processing and to Caroline Lara for editing.
To those of us whose life’s work is trying to help those in production agriculture, it is
incredibly gratifying to have producers take our information, adapt it and use it to good
benefit on their own space. Numerous graziers in the eastern half of the United States have made
their own tool based on our information and used them in their own grazing units. That is a reward
to our efforts, and we say “thanks.”
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Cattle Rub Tool
Commercial “bullets” may also be used in much the same way as the face flips (Figure 41) if
the grazier thinks they are a benefit.
Another accessory use might be the forced use of the cattle rub, face flips, or bullets (Figure
42). As cattle use this tool to access salt, mineral, or bait feed in the feeder inside the enclosure,
they are forced to touch the cattle rub and face flips and therefore contact the insecticide for parasite
control. This type of setup, however, does not wipe the lower sides and legs of cows, nor small
calves. There are many ways to incorporate this type of function on various models if it is deemed
necessary.
Introduction
The homemade, portable, salt/mineral feeder and external parasite control cattle rub tool
(hereafter called “the tool”) appears to be a simple piece of machinery. It is, but the specific physical
form and multiple uses of the tool make it complex. The tool was initially developed and used as an
alternative to more expensive and problematic means of fly and lice control on beef cattle. It quickly
became a multi-use grazing cattle management and pasture management tool in rotational stocking.
Little has been written about the use of the cattle rub portion for parasite control, and only
a small amount has been written on some model of the tool (Dalrymple, 1999a, 1999b; Gentry,
2001). Graziers, in general, adapt only the cattle rub technique without much study. Most use it in
a stationary or permanent manner. That is not the emphasis in this publication. The portability of
the complete tool is an integral part of it because of the interest in rotational stocking. Rotational
stocking goes along with the tool and vice versa.
The objective of this publication is to report on details of homemade construction and
management of these portable tools.
Summary
The tool has several integrated functions. In summary, it:
•
•
•
•
•
Figure 42. Another type model with enclosed feeder, cattle rub, and face flips forcing cattle to contact
the rub and flips as they use the feeder inside. (Photo courtesy Norman Yordi) .
An item that could be considered an accessory is a two-part tool model we experimented
with. The hypothesis was to construct this tool so the salt/mineral feeder portion and the cattle
rub could be uncoupled and used separately. The idea was to park the tool coupled together until
cattle learned to use the cattle rub (Figure 43, top), then uncouple it and park the separated parts in
different paddock locations to enhance cattle dispersal (Figure 43, bottom). It was obvious that even
through the cattle used the cattle rub when it was in a separate location, they did not use it nearly as
well as when the tool was coupled and in close juxtaposition. After that observation, this unit was
used primarily as a combined single tool unit. However, this idea may be useful to other graziers.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Is a feeder for salt, mineral, and ionophore feeds;
Prevents or limits populations of flies, grubs, lice and ticks, and by doing so, helps restrict
some diseases transmitted by these parasites;
Facilitates direct grazing cattle management;
Facilitates manipulation of cattle on paddocks and so aids in pasture management;
Provides livestock managers an easier, low cost, more grazier-friendly choice in the overall
scheme of management for all of the above.
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder
The feeder portion of the tool provides feeding edge space and storage volume for salt,
mineral, and ionophore supplements. This also serves as an attractant or bait to cause cattle to
frequent the tool location. Once there, the cattle learn to use the cattle rub. Once they have learned
how to use the tool, they frequently use the rub without feeding (Figure 1). They apparently do so to
seek relief from the discomfort of the parasites. The feeder portion is not intended to be a feeder for
larger volumes of supplemental feeds.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 1. A stocker calf using the cattle rub independent of the salt/mineral supply of the tool.
Controlling Parasites
The cattle rub tool, impregnated with an appropriate diluted insecticide, helps prevent face,
heel and horn flies. The cattle rub controls flies and it limits grub population buildup by preventing
flies that cause grubs. It controls some grubs after an infestation if the correct insecticide is used. It
prevents some ticks and helps control fly transmitted diseases by controlling flies.
Cattle get insecticide on themselves by rubbing on the cattle rub. They then touch or rub on
each other and spread the insecticide even more. Some cattle may not get a good dose of insecticide,
but still have a low fly population because of association with other animals in the herd that have
used the rub.
The tool provides some control, though little, of horse, deer and other biting flies. However,
there is a commercial flytrap for biting flies. It is the ETTS Biting Fly Trap from Farnam (Anon.
2001b). Its use may result in control of biting flies in small or limited areas.
Grazing Cattle Management
The tool aids in management and manipulation of grazing cattle by serving as an attractant.
With the tool properly placed, cattle will stay on the pasture or in the paddock as opposed to
frequenting water points, shade, corrals, lanes and other areas important to the manager. It also
periodically groups the herd within a paddock, thus aiding herd monitoring (Figure 2). Cattle
quickly learn that when the tool is being moved, they get to go to a new paddock or other area. They
trail the tool as if it were a lead animal (Figure 3) aiding the grazier with herd rotations.
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Figure 41. A steel and wood constructed tool with feeder roof and “face flips” on the cattle rub (top)
and another tool with “bullets” (bottom). (Top photo courtesy Norman Ward; bottom photo courtesy
Jim Singleton)
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Cattle Rub Tool
Accessorizing to use two cattle rubs with the feeder position in the middle may be helpful in
large herds of 150 head or more. This would double the cattle rub area to about 20 feet compared to
10 feet with only one cattle rub. The usual feeder space shown in the models pictured will more than
suffice for up to about 400 head of cattle.
The tall riser can be constructed to hinge and fold down onto and lay on the top of the saltmineral portion of the tool without a roof (Figures 36, 37 and 40). The early models of the tool we
made were constructed this way. The purpose of this was to allow the tool to be moved under one
wire electric fence during a cattle rotation to an adjacent paddock (Figure 40). This could be more
convenient than pulling the tool a relatively long distance around and through gates, lanes and other
travel ways in large grazing units or in hauling the tool long distances in a pickup or trailer to the
adjacent paddock. There may be little benefit to this accessory where the tool is used in a small
grazing unit where travel through gates and other travel ways is not an obstacle to grazier-friendly
management.
Figure 2. Stocker cattle congregating out in a paddock near the tool and away from the water
source and trees.
Figure 40. The tool with the tall riser laid down making it ready to pull under a one wire electric fence.
The cattle rub can be outfitted with accessory strips of fabric, commercially called “face
flips,” that possibly wipe more insecticide solution onto the cattle as they use the tool (Figures 41,
42, 47 and 48). We have not found that to be necessary for good fly control, but other graziers may
deem the strips beneficial. The commercial face flips may be used or the grazier may make these by
using absorbent heavy weight cotton duck or wool fabric.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 3. Beef cows trailing the tool as they are being rotated in a lane way to a distant
paddock, the next to be grazed.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Pasture Management
The tool aids in pasture management by attracting the herd to almost any area within a
paddock that the herd does not frequent as often as the manager desires. It attracts the cow and calf
unit to creep grazing accesses in paddock fences or portable creep feeder locations using grain-based
feeds (Figure 4). It can be used to help scatter cattle impact over a paddock by changing the tool
location from time to time during any given grazing cycle or between grazings. The relative success
of the tool appears to be somewhat related to paddock size, i.e., the smaller the paddock and the
higher the stock density, the easier cattle access the tool, and the more useful the tool may be for all
stated purposes. This is a very variable function.
The People Perspective
The tool has many advantages from a “people” perspective. It is a very grazier-friendly (low
stress) way to accomplish the specific livestock and related forage management jobs it does. It is
among the easiest methods to use for external parasite control and salt/mineral feeding. Everything
the tool can do is done without ever purposely gathering, herding, lotting, processing and stressing
cattle through a corral or head gate facility. In some cases, this eliminates several cattle gatherings
in a season or year.
Figure 4. The cow-calf herd gathered at the tool (left arrow) parked by a one-wire raised electric fence
creep grazing access. Note calves passing under the electric wire raised on the tall post (right arrow)
to better grass in the next paddock.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 39. A portable tool rigged for dust bags only (top) and a similar tool rigged with dust bags over
the feeder and a cattle rub (bottom). (Photos courtesy Norman Ward)
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Cattle Rub Tool
History
Although the cattle rub technique is not new, our somewhat recent adaptation of the rub into
a more complete livestock and forage management tool is new.
Our first experience with cattle rubs was with the various homemade types dating back to
the 1950s. These stationary units were generally made out of burlap bags, cotton duck, or other
absorbent cloths wrapped around a twist of barbed wire, cable, rope or chain to make about a 3- to
6-inch diameter rub (Figure 5). They were saturated with various farm and ranch oils, including used
motor oil with or without insecticides. The oil alone would act as a partial fly repellant. Sulfur was
sometimes added in an effort to enhance fly repellence. Various systemic insecticides also came into
use with the cattle rubs during this early period and soon thereafter.
Noble Foundation researchers used stationary forms of the cattle rub in beef cattle grazing
research and demonstration during the mid- to late 1950s (Figure 5).
Figure 38. A wheel and runner type tool outfitted for dust bag only (top) and both a cattle rub and dust
bag (bottom). There should be little or no need to use both the cattle rub and the dust bag.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 5. A permanently located homemade, burlap bag cloth cattle rub close to water, salt/mineral, and
the pasture gate. Such permanent amalgamation of attractants creates paddock soil and forage problems
and is not recommended.
Early days use of the cattle rub waned with the increasing availability and usage of dipping
vats, sprays, dusts, insecticide impregnated ear tags, and feeding of fly control insecticides. Many
graziers, including ourselves, became disinterested in using these methods due to repeated time and
labor demand, expense of equipment and insecticides, the nuisance of installing and removing fly
tags and environmental concerns.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Early use of insecticides such as DDT, Lindane, Lyntox, and Toxophene were very effective.
Use of these insecticides is now prohibited due to environmental concerns and they are no longer
available in commercial trade. Left over supplies should not be used for this purpose.
Part of our interest has always been rotational stocking, the associated lower-cost grazing
livestock management techniques, and more overall grazier-friendly procedures. With that in mind,
we conceived the idea of developing an all-inclusive combination tool that would provide salt and
mineral for cattle nutrition as an attractant, a cattle rub for external parasite control for cattle, and
portability to easily facilitate use in rotational stocking units. The tool provides a very grazierfriendly means of accomplishing these objectives. The first successful but crude model was put to
use in 1989 (Figure 6). Later and better models are still in use in 2002. We have used some model of
the basic tool for about 13 years.
Accessories
There are several homemade or commercial items that could be considered accessories that
may be appealing or helpful to some graziers.
A homemade reservoir could be added to the top portion of the riser at the top of the
cattle rub. This container could be a sealed five-gallon bucket outfitted with a petcock at or near
the bottom. The container needs an air vent near the top to prevent a vacuum from forming. The
petcock would need a tube extending to near the top of the cattle rub. The tube is needed to apply
the insecticide solution very near to and directly on the rub without wind blowing it away from
the rub. The petcock needs to be one that can be set very fine to administer only a few drops as
needed to dampen the rub over a day or several days. Through trial and error the amount to apply
over an appropriate time can be determined. The petcock can be used to completely shut off flow
of insecticide as needed. The purpose of this reservoir is to add more convenience to the tool and to
possibly keep it wetted better to prevent parasite buildup such as in the case of lice.
We have only sparingly used dust bag techniques with the tool because the cattle rub
technique performed excellently for our purposes. The optional extended arm at the top of the tall
riser can be used for this purpose (Figures 7,10, 12, 37 and 38). A portable tool set up only for dust
bags is shown in Figures 38 (top) and 39 (top) and it can be altered to facilitate both dust bag and
cattle rub design (Figure 39, bottom).
Figure 6. The first model of the tool. It was crude, but well designed and effective.
High stock density rotational stocking aids in successful use of the tool for cattle nutrition
and external parasite control. In a well-run, relatively small paddock size rotational stocking unit,
cattle are controlled in a herd closer together than in more extensive circumstances. This can often
be away from other the attractants such as shade, ponds,etc. All of these things aid cattle in easily
locating and using the tool.
In 1973, the P.H. White Company invented and made available an early model of a major
present-day cattle rub that we use (P.H. White, 2001, personal communication). Numerous single
unit commercial salt and mineral feeders and a few models of single unit commercial cattle rub tools
are available. These can be located at farm and ranch stores, farm shows, and by searching cattle
trade magazines. We are not aware of any relatively low-cost commercial combination tool such as
the one discussed in this publication.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Research
Schematic Diagram
The following is a schematic diagram (Figure 37) of what is considered one of the best
overall models. It is among the best construction for all of the tool’s uses. The diagram can be a good
visual aid to use during construction. It shows the optional roof, dust bag arm, riser hinge, and wheel
assist runner. The general design can be altered to suit the home shop builder, as long as the basic
functions of the tool are not compromised. Precise measures for building the tool are not presented,
and there is reason for that. Most on-farm or ranch builders choose to decide on their own final
model and to use materials on hand. These builders generally measure, cut, fit and attach the parts
together as they build the tool. Precise measures are not needed for our intended purposes herein.
Dust Bag Arm
Hinge (optional)
Rain Shield (roof)
(optional)
Cattle Rub Ring
Adjustable Cattle Rub
Hook and Chain
Dust Bag Arm
(optional)
Adjustable chain
(or rope)
Dust Bag
(optional)
Cattle Rub
(wick)
about
52"
Rub
Ring
Divider
Gussets
if needed
Salt/Mineral Feeder
(One or two drum lengths
with dividers)
Tall
Riser
Riser Hinge
(Optional)
6'
Permanent
Hitch Loop
Gussets
Tow Chain
Runners
about
18"
Hitch Rings
26"
out 1
Ab
ure 1
ee fig
nal: S
Optio
4'
Figure 37. Schematic diagram of a portable two-compartment salt/mineral feeder and cattle rub tool with
optional rain shield, dust bag and full-length runner components (see Figure 1 and 38 for short runner model).
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Cattle Rub Tool
It is not the objective of the publication to thoroughly report research results on control of
flies, lice, ticks, etc. However, some results are of particular interest in the use of this tool.
Part of our interest in the tool is its ease of use, i.e., the grazier friendly quality of it. Some
of these qualities were documented in a Progressive Farmer magazine study (Anon., 2000). In that
study, 76.5 percent of cattleman surveyed considered the cattle rub to be very easy to use relative to
other common methods of fly control.
The same study reported the cattle rub to be the most economical and the easiest on cattle
and more than 90 percent of those surveyed considered the resulting fly control to be moderate to
very dependable. In our experience, the insecticide and solvent cost was about $1 per animal per
year for face, horn and heel fly prevention and control, grub prevention, lice prevention and all other
livestock and forage management advantages. These benefits were received and we did not gather or
handle the cattle once.
Face fly and horn fly control on cattle via forced use cattle rub impregnated with various
insecticides was excellent (Roberts and Saluta, 1982). Results showed control could often be 95
percent to 100 percent. Seventy-five percent of the time, fly control was over 90 percent with
the cattle rub technique. The objective of fly control is not to totally eliminate flies, but to limit
populations to relatively harmless levels. The results of the research illustrate that reduced fly
infestation is easily obtainable through the use of the cattle rub.
The various cattle-infesting external parasites have interesting and important behaviors
relative to cattle and pasture infestation. It is not the purpose of this publication to provide that
information, but the reader is encouraged to seek such information from Extension agents, animal
scientists and commercial sources. This education will help the user visualize how the tool controls
flies, lice and grubs.
Some research shows that controlling flies on cattle can economically improve animal
performance (Cocke, et al, 1989; DeRouen, et al, 1995; Foil, et al, 1996). In these studies, conducted in
Louisiana and Texas, total weight gains of weaned calves or yearling stocker cattle were reported to be
27 pounds more per head of weaned calf and 17 percent better gain of yearlings in two studies. When
this is the case, it represents a very positive economic benefit to fly control alone. Returns in these
studies, where quoted, were about $7 for a $1 investment in direct cost of the fly control procedure
used. Results from fly control studies are variable and not always positive. However, when using the
tool for all its intended purposes, there are many positive functions in cattle and grazing management.
Fly control alone may actually be a minor component of the tool’s total capabilities in overall cattle
and pasture management and all the associated economic and grazier friendly benefits.
In grazier experiences, effectiveness of the tool rarely fails when properly used in a well
managed rotational stocking unit. In other cases, some of the tools have not been constructed to
do all things well. There may be some pasture situations where the tool seems to be inferior for its
intended purposes. The grazier that encounters less-than-desired effectiveness when using the tool
should closely examine its construction, management and the pasture area to try to determine means
to improve the effectiveness.
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Cattle Rub Tool
General Characteristics
The multipurpose tool must have the following general characteristics to succeed in all the
aspects discussed.
•
•
•
•
•
It must be grazier or user friendly. The tool must be easily constructed in a farm and ranch
shop or a commercial shop. It must be easily serviced and rarely need repairs.
The tool must be easily transportable. It is intended to be used in a rotational stocking unit
and it will be moved regularly. It may also be used in a stationary location. It must be easily
transportable by the grazier with the choice of a four-wheeler ATV (all terrain vehicle),
saddle horse, common vehicle or tractor (Figure 7). The tool must have an adequate salt-mineral feeder properly positioned to serve the size and
number of cattle in the herd. The salt-mineral feeder should be durable and easily filled and
maintained. The salt-mineral feeder serves as both nutrition supply and a bait to draw cattle
to the cattle rub portion of the tool.
The tool must provide adequate to superb external parasite control when properly managed.
It must be properly designed within the various parameters of its intended uses. The proper
proportioning of the whole tool and the proper positioning (juxtaposition) of the salt-mineral
feeder and cattle rub are essential for best success. Construction parameters are discussed
later in the publication.
Some Cattle Benefits
If flies are a very serious problem, controlling them can add to cattle weight gain. High fly
populations on cattle lead to obvious discomfort and stress. One early sign of cattle discomfort in
paddocks is coveying to seek relief from fly bites (Figure 8).
Herd coveying often causes spots of forage within a paddock to be completely destroyed,
representing an economic lose through that destruction, spot soil erosion, and added maintenance
of pasture stands. In the act of seeking comfort from insect infestation, cattle tend to be restless,
prone to some contesting and running. This can contribute to fence, water point and other facility
damage increasing time and expense of management. When fly infestation is very severe, cattle can
inflict self-mutilations and hide loss in efforts to get relief from the discomfort (Gary Woulfe, DVM,
personal communication).
Control of flies and ticks helps reduce the incidence of diseases they transmit. These diseases
include forms of pinkeye, anaplasmosis, and various tick-borne diseases (Lawrence M. Tague,
DVM, personal communication).
Heavy infestations of lice cause itching, discomfort, associated stress, hair loss, and hide
damage. The itching from lice and biting by flies apparently encourages cattle to use the cattle rub,
making it an effective control tool.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 36. The tall riser may be rigged to hinge about 18 inches off ground line (top) to allow passage
of the tool under a one wire electric fence (bottom).
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Cattle Rub Tool
The salt/mineral feeder reservoir is best made from a 55-gallon poly drum (plastic barrel).
Use a dark-colored drum with thick walls (one-fourth inch or more)(Figure 34). Blue is long lasting,
red, yellow, and white are intermediate in life span, and black is the longest lasting of all. Cut the
drum in half length-wise and fasten it to the feeder frame with about three-eighth inch bolts. Support
the feeder on the bottom with cross braces welded onto the feeder frame. The feeder designed in this
manner will provide salt/mineral for up to about 400 head of cattle (Figure 34). This far surpasses
the capacity of the 10-foot cattle rub, but more cattle eating at the feeder tends to cause more use of
the rub and more desirable animal impact on the area. Drill about three-eighth inch holes on about
one inch spacing in both ends of the drum feeder to allow water to escape (Figure 35). The feeder
may be divided for feeding separate feeds (Figure 14).
Figure 34. The basic feeder made of a horizontal half of a 55-gallon poly drum.
Figure 7. The properly-constructed tool can be moved with a four-wheel drive ATV (top) or pickup
(bottom), other usual vehicles or a horse.
Figure 35. Drill drain holes in both ends of the salt and mineral feeder to allow water to drain out of
the feeder.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 8. About 125 head of stressed stocker cattle coveyed tightly together, milling around, rubbing
on each other, and tail switching vigorously trying to get relief from the irritation of a heavy fly
infestation.
Figure 32. The cattle rub attachment to the feeder at low end should be about 16 to 18 inches above
ground line.
Figure 33. The basic optional roof design.
Economics
Material cost of the tool ranged from about $50 to more than $250, depending on the model
and use of new or used materials. These costs do not include the cattle rub (wick). Materials for
the tool similar to that depicted in Figure 9 should cost about $50, whereas a larger model, similar
to that depicted in Figure 10 would cost up to $150 or more. A large roofed model similar to that
in Figure 11 would cost about $200 to $250. Using salvaged materials that most graziers have can
substantially reduce direct materials cost. Having the tool made by a commercial welder will add
100 percent or more to total cost over materials cost.
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Cattle Rub Tool
.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 31. Some graziers may want to install a ball hitch and tongue jack to the towing end of the tool.
The cattle rub should be attached to the loop near the top of the tall riser and to the loop at
the edge of the salt/mineral feeder (Figures 21, 29 and 32). The cattle rub should be about six feet
above ground line on the high end and about 16 to 18 inches above ground line on the low end at
the feeder (Figure 32). Once installed, it can serve all sizes of cattle from small calves to large bulls.
Make this connection using a very heavy duty snap and as many easily added “quick link” chain
links as needed (Figure 29). This technique allows easy tension adjustment of the cattle rub rope as it
stretches. The cattle rub should have a slight droop. It does not need to be extremely tight. It should
cover the contour of the cattle body as it is used. A major source for cattle rubs is the P. H. White
Co., Box 155, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0155; phone (800) 344-0115.
The optional roof should be about six feet above ground line, or slightly taller than the largest
animal in the herd (Figures 21, 22 and 23). For this model it needs to be about six by six feet square
to protect the salt and mineral in inclement weather. Basic construction is shown in Figure 33. The
roof is optional.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 9. Two small models of the tool with about $50 in materials cost.
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Cattle Rub Tool
The hitch is best made of link chain of about three-eighth to one-half inch diameter links
(Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30). Rope hitches wear out too quickly. Cable hitches are not grazier
friendly. Make the hitch chain long enough to extend about five feet in front of the runners and attach
it permanently to the tool (Figure 28). This allows easy attachment to the vehicle, tractor, or ATV
with these transports coming to the hitch sideways or by backing into it. Hitch chains that are too
short are not grazier friendly. If the chain hitch is long enough, the vehicle does not have to back into
the tool to move it. Simply drive close along side the hitch and drop it onto the ball hitch. Attach the
chain hitch to loops on the ends of the runners as shown in Figures 25 and 27. Make a permanent
loop in the end of the chain (Figure 30). This loop is the tongue to drop over the ball hitch on the
ATV or vehicle and to hook onto the storage hook at the top of the riser (Figure 29). Pull the chain
hitch out full length, find the center, and install a large bolt or quick link to create about a six-inch
loop (Figure 29 and 30). It is also handy to have a hook on the end of the chain to attach to the
pulling ATV or vehicle. Always hook the chain hitch to the storage hook on the riser to keep it out of
the mud, manure, ice and snow, and to keep it from freezing to the earth (Figure 29). Make the hook
high on the riser so cattle cannot unhook it.
Figure 10. A larger model of the tool with more components and a materials cost of about $100 to
$150.
Figure 11. A large model of the tool with wide runners and a roof over the salt-mineral feeder. This
unit’s materials cost is about $200 to $250.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 30. Dropping the permanently looped end of the chain hitch over a ball hitch. The end of the
chain hitch could also have a hook to attach to the pulling vehicle.
An equipment jack can be added to the cattle rub end to raise the tool up to the ball hitch
(Figure 31). This is more useful on the wheeled assist models and on any model where moving
distance is great.
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Cattle Rub Tool
In relatively high density grazing, the larger models with a 10-foot cattle rub can service
150 to 175 head of cattle, so the material cost is approximately $1 per head for that number of
cattle. That cost is further diluted over time. Over a 5-year time span, material cost is only about
$0.20 per head when one 150 head herd used the tool per year. Over time, material cost per head is
minimal per head of use and it gets near zero. It is much lower cost than many common commercial
insecticide methods, which usually include more labor and equipment expense. A 10-foot cattle rub
(wick) costs about $20 to $25. These rubs have lasted us about two to three years depending on herd
size. The more larger herds use them, the quicker the rubs wear. Cost for the rub for 150 head for
three years is about $0.05 per head.
Insecticide and diluent (diesel) costs are variable between herds and years. Overall, our costs
have been about $1 per head per year, and that includes all the multiple uses of the tool charged to
the cattle insecticide mixture. It is appropriate to repeat that the cattle are never gathered for these
uses.
The well-made metal frame models, properly cared for, have lasted over 10 years with
minimal repair. Maintenance cost to re-weld or replace a rusted runner or other parts have been
minimal. The poly drum for the salt-mineral feeder remained in good shape after more than 10 years
of use. Dark-colored (blue and black) poly drum life is unknown but very long. Wooden models are
expected to require more maintenance.
The life span of the cattle rub may be extended by storing it in the shade, and out of the rain,
when it is not in use. Sun (ultraviolet rays) deteriorates the rub cover. Wrapping the new rub with
salvaged burlap or other acceptable material will extend the life of the rub.
Figure 28. Full view of the tall riser with rub attached and the extended chain hitch.
Limitations
Our experience with the cattle rub is primarily with small herds of up to about 150 stockers
or cows with calves. Fly control and other benefits were excellent in these cases. The P.H. White
Co. recommends using one cattle rub per 30 to 50 head of cattle or less (P.H. White, personal
communication). This would likely be the case under continuous stocking or lax rotational stocking
where there is less animal control. We have had excellent results with one tool for up to 150 head of
beef cattle stocked within about one-fourth mile from the tool. When there are more than about 150
head, fly control may be reduced. In these cases, more than one portable tool should be used. With
herds of 200 head and more of cows plus their calves, two tools must be used. The tools should be
in separate locations in the paddock. The number of well-spaced tools needed for herds of over 200
head must be determined through trial and error for a given operation.
Figure 29. The tall riser top, cap, cattle rub attachment and heavy duty large hook for the chain hitch.
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Cattle Rub Tool
A limitation in practical use may be with very large herds and great expanses of acreage. At
some point, there is a tradeoff of the management of the tool, its effectiveness, and the time required
to manage the system. Individual managers can determine that point for themselves through trial
and error. A trailing distance to and from the tool of up to about one-half mile does not seem to be a
limiting factor for a well-managed tool in a well-managed rotational stocking unit. Extremely large paddocks may present a problem with parasite control due to infrequent use
by the cattle. Maximum paddock size for optimum use of the tool is not known. On Noble
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Cattle Rub Tool
Foundation demonstrations, most paddocks involving the use of the tool were about 50 acres or less
with no adverse effects. Trailing distance to the tool of up to about 2,000 feet did not seem to hinder
fly control results with herds accustomed to the technique.
With regard to fly control, the cattle rub is primarily for face flies, horn flies and heel flies.
The tool prevents a buildup of lice. Tick control can also be good with proper insecticide dosage
(Gentry, 2001). Appropriately managed, the cattle rub appears to repel some deer and horse flies, but
control is not good. Other methods of control must be used for deer and horse flies, or cattle must
tolerate them.
The Feeder and Cattle Rub Management
The runner or wheel assist should be long enough to support the total length of the tool.
Make the runner end that supports the tall riser for the cattle rub just long enough to hold the
support. Secure the rub to be used, which will probably be the 10-foot model, and use it as a gauge to
measure and cut the runner length and the riser height. Make the length between the low end of the
cattle rub to the top of the riser about two feet longer than the cattle rub so there is space to tighten
the rub as it stretches during use.
Make the support for the tall riser very stout (Figure 27). It is greatly stressed in use. In this
example, the base support is made of one-inch-by-four-inch rectangular tubing with a one-fourth
inch wall thickness. Weld it securely and install gussets on all sides of the riser. This illustration
shows only one gusset. There should be more.
Our, and other graziers’, experiences with this tool have involved cattle. There may be some
adaptations of the tool for use on goats, horses, sheep, and other relatively large native wildlife and
exotic grazing animals. The rub portion of the tool can be adapted to use in some swine enterprises.
It may be used in some dairy cattle enterprises.
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder
The feeder portion of the tool can be used to feed salt, mineral, ionophore feeds and possibly
other feeds. Those supplements, in turn, bait or attract the cattle to the tool and they learn to use the
cattle rub while feeding on the supplements (Figure 12). Figure 27. The tools runner support of tall riser, gusset, and chain hitch attachment.
Note space under support for pasture passage.
The riser should be about six and one-half feet from ground line to the top, with the
attachment loop for the top of the cattle rub about six inches from the top (Figure 28). Cap the top to
prevent water from collecting in the riser (Figure 29) and leave or drill a hole about one-half inch in
diameter at the very bottom of the riser for condensation water to escape, preventing rusting at the
base of the riser.
Figure 12. Stocker cattle consuming salt/mineral mixture and learning to use the cattle rub.
the tool is parked too close to the shade trees.
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Note:
Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Recommendations for specific salt, mineral and other feedstuffs can be procured from a
qualified animal nutritionist. The salt and mineral combination, however, should be specific for the
livestock enterprise, and the expected nutrient deficiency in the forage or feed supply. We have used
hard block, pelleted, and soft, small, granulated salt and mineral mixtures. All of those forms were used
successfully. We prefer the pelleted or small-loose granulated mixtures due to the palatability and ease
of adjusting palatability, ease and rapidness of cattle consumption of the supplement, ease of altering
the mix, changes in season and nutrient requirements, ease of feeding the product, usually lower cost
per ton, and the observation that more head of cattle can feed at a feeder on a given amount of loose
supplement compared to the same amount of feeder space with hard block supplements due to less time
needed to intake salt/mineral feeds. Loose minerals fed in feeders without a roof should be formulated
with additives to keep the mineral soft and crumbly (after it gets wet by precipitation) and not become
hard upon drying (Figure 13).
Figure 25. Wide stance runners to prevent tipping by cattle.
A salt and mineral supplement must be adequately palatable in order to serve as an attractant to
the cattle. Some grazers prefer to provide salt and mineral as separate items. We prefer to provide these
nutrients as a mixture for control of the product content and the cattle consumption of it. If salt and
mineral are fed separate, the feeder can be divided into compartments (Figure 14). In our experience,
palatability has been excellent with the salt and mineral combination we used that contained 20 percent
to 30 percent loose salt. Having an adequate amount of salt provides palatability and having just
enough limits over-consumption. The exact amount needed in the mixture is a trial and error issue.
Palatability is a very important factor. Once the proper ratio of salt to mineral is determined it usually
stays near the same for a given herd. The acceptance of the mixture is very dynamic and involves much
more than salt. However, the salt content of the salt and mineral mix is easy for the manager to control
on the grazing unit. The salt portion needed may also vary with the seasonal forage changes.
Figure 26. Runner angled to allow easier transport.
Note gusset that forms a loop for chain hitch.
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Figure 13. When a roof is not installed on the tool salt/mineral feeder, mineral mixtures with additives
should be used so the mineral will stay soft when it dries after getting wet. Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 14. When salt and mineral are fed separately, a division in the feeder should be used.
Note the wheels assist in transporting.
The salt and mineral supplement can also contain an appropriate ionophore as applicable to
the cattle enterprise management and production targets. We have employed this technique with the
tool as a part of the livestock and forage management scheme with stocker cattle.
Systemic insecticides and dewormers can also be provided as part of the salt and mineral
supplements. We have not done that because of higher costs and the long-term impact of those
products on the non-target (non-cattle) parts of the paddock environment. Some products have a
negative impact on earthworms and dung beetles and possibly other organisms. We prefer to treat the
cattle individually with the tool, and use products that are effective and relatively environmentally
friendly. Figure 24. Use a gusset for added strength at critical points.
Runners should be set wide at about 48 inches to prevent cattle tipping the tool over (Figure
25). They should be narrow enough to allow the tool to slide into the back of a pickup for long
distance hauling. Curve both of the ends of the runners up at about a 45-degree angle to provide a
good sled runner affect (Figures 25 and 26). These curved runners should be gusseted to provide
more structural strength.
Many of the tools depicted do not have a roof over the salt and mineral feeder. In our case,
and in the climate of the southern Oklahoma region, this has been satisfactory. Supplemental feeding
is done as needed and only the amount needed for a few days is provided. Cattle are typically
monitored daily or frequently and as that supply dwindles, more salt and mineral is added.
Roofs over the feeder are advisable in more humid and high rainfall regions and also where
the manager will supply large amounts of supplement to last long periods of time (Figure 11). The
roof should help prevent the wastage of mineral in high rainfall areas.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Cattle Rub
There are many choices of insecticides and methods for controlling cattle flies, grubs, lice
and ticks, which include an array of sprays, dusts, ear tags, pour-on chemicals, injections, and
feeding products. Flytraps, rotational stocking and the cattle rub are all alternative choices. The cattle
rub is also known as a back rubber, fly wipe, wick and other common names.
Insecticide uses are well documented in university extension, USDA, and commercial
publications. Low input alternative methods of fly traps, rotational stocking, and the cattle rub are
of interest to many stockmen. The flytrap has application in small to medium size units and where
operators want to cut chemical inputs to near zero. Construction plans for these traps are available
(Anon., 1991). They may be constructed in the home shop.
It is widely accepted that rotational stocking can be done in a manner to rotate cattle away
from existing flies, or to rotate cattle out of a paddock before a new generation of flies is hatched in
that paddock. This is effective in very small and large grazing units, but results appear to be better in
the larger units. Some graziers observe that rotating cattle at dusk is more effective in getting cattle
away from flies (Anon., 2001a).
Figure 23. Cattle rub and hitch end view.
The low-input methods mentioned above help reduce fly populations, but there is often
a population left on the cattle that is judged to be economically harmful. Fly traps and rotational
stocking also do little, if anything, to control lice and ticks. The cattle rub can aid in better overall
external parasite control of flies, grubs, lice and ticks, with or without the listed alternative methods. In summary, the frame is all steel for strength and longevity. Runners and risers are two
and three-eighths inch diameter salvaged pipe. The legs and feeder supports are two-inch wide,
one-fourth inch thick angle iron. The supports leading to the roof are one and one-half inch wide,
one-fourth inch thick, angle iron. These supports should be gusseted top and bottom for more joint
strength. The roof frame and rafters are made of one and one-half inch wide, three-sixteenths inch
thick square tubing. The roof material is galvanized sheet iron fastened with sheet metal screws with
neoprene washers.
Runners, legs, risers and any other stress points should all be gusseted to provide added
structural strength where they meet other parts of the frame similar to that shown for the tall riser
(Figure 24).
Management of the cattle rub portion of the tool involves five functions:
• Fly prevention and control;
• Grub prevention and some control;
• Lice prevention and some control;
• Tick prevention and some control;
• Limited prevention and control of stable flies, horse and deer flies, and mosquitoes.
Much of the function of the properly managed cattle rub is to prevent external parasite
population buildups to stressful or economic threshold level. Cattle apparently use the rub to seek
relief from biting, itching, and otherwise uncomfortable insect presence. Using the cattle rub kills
or repels insects and then cattle get relief. Cattle like to rub on objects and once accustomed to the
cattle rub they often habitually use it, preventing parasite buildup. It appears that cattle also learn to
rub by observing herd mates rubbing. It is advisable to have a calf, stocker, or cow that knows the
cattle rub in the herd to help teach other cattle to use the rub.
Fly Prevention and Control
The objective of the insecticide-soaked cattle rub is to reduce fly and lice populations in order
to reduce stress on cattle. Tick populations will be controlled with the correct insecticide but the
population may not be as dramatically reduced as flies. To expect total elimination of flies and other
external parasites is unrealistic. SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
The best approach to fly control is prevention. When the rub is properly wetted with the
appropriate insecticide mix, it kills existing flies, repels flies, and prevents a serious population
buildup. Research from Virginia shows a high level of fly control with the cattle rub (Roberts and
Salute, 1982).
The manager of the herd should activate the rub at the start of the spring fly season (Figure
15). Oklahoma’s fly season begins in April and May. The rub should be kept wet as needed all
summer and into fall for lice prevention. First time wetting of a 10 foot cattle rub may require three
to five gallons of solution (Figure 15). If a fly population builds to 50 to 100 or more flies per side
of the cattle anytime during summer, the flies can be controlled with frequent use of the rub. Control
in this case is not immediate and often requires one to two weeks, but rarely more. It is best to
anticipate the need to wet the rub with insecticide.
Figure 21. Full length view.
Figure 15. Pouring insecticide and diesel mixture on the cattle rub. Always wear protective gloves and
observe precautions on the insecticide container label.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 22. Feeder and roof end view.
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Cattle Rub Tool
We have used primarily Co-Ral 5.6% EC at the proper dilution in diesel oil. This product has
served well for face, head, and horn fly control and prevention, grub prevention, tick prevention and
lice prevention. Our thought was to use one good product to accomplish many things, and thus keep
the management as good, simple and grazier friendly as possible. There have not been any perceived
insecticide resistance of flies and we do not expect any resulting from the use of this product with the
tool.
Some graziers may choose to vary the insecticide used to lessen costs and to target specific
flies, lice, or ticks. This may be done to limit cost by a few cents per herd. We have not found it
necessary to do so. Varying insecticide use two or more times a year also increases management
decisions, storage problems, etc. However, insecticide application to the rub on an as needed basis
can limit costs to the minimum without reducing results.
Materials and Construction Parameters
Three basic materials are used for the tool: steel, wood and plastic. Steel materials for the
runners, frame, risers and braces are preferred. These materials are also often available as lower
cost salvage material. Some graziers prefer to construct the mainframe of treated wood (Figure 41).
Materials choice depends on the readily available supply, the most economical construction and
method of assembly (some graziers do not have a welder).
Nothing beats a heavy-walled (about one-fourth inch thick or more) poly drum (plastic) for
the salt and mineral feeder. Wood is next best and steel is least preferred. The drums are available
in salvage trade and cost is minimal at about $15 or less per 55-gallon drum which can make two
feeders. Noble Foundation models of the salt and mineral feeder made of poly drums are in good
condition after about 12 years of use. There are many good models of the basic properly designed tool that can provide the
numerous advantages discussed. Some good designs are represented throughout in Figures 7, 10,
11, 12, 14 and 19. The model pictured on the cover and in Figures 11, 37, and in this section is
considered among the best overall design for all intended purposes. It is used for the model of the
schematic diagram (Figure 37) and for construction parameter information.
If the grazier making one of the tools prefers a smaller or otherwise different design, the
information in this part can be used as a guide to adapt to the chosen design.
Construction parameters for this section model are shown in side view and end views
(Figures 21, 22 and 23). These illustrations present the overall physical view. It is also portrayed as a
schematic drawing in Figure 37.
Figure 16. Some cattle get infested before others. This bull has harmful levels of flies exceeding the
stressful level of 50 to 100 or more per side.
One of the environmental benefits of the cattle rub is that insecticide only reaches the target
(cattle and parasites) and it is used only as needed. The technique is relatively environmentally
friendly, as there is apparently little or no ill effect on bees and other beneficial insects, pond water
and other water sources, soil, vegetation or farm structures.
Stressful and harmful levels of flies are judged to be:
•
When more than about 50 to 100 or more horn flies (body flies) are present on the sides of
most cattle or those cattle that flies infest first, or when face flies or heel flies are obviously
bothersome (Figure 16).
• When cattle rapidly switch tails, stomp, run, and run through tall vegetation and woody
areas to brush flies off (Figure 8). This is especially indicative of horn fly populations on
cattle. Heel flies, that produce grubs, infest the legs of cattle and may cause much stomping
and running.
• When cattle bunch tightly together during grazing and resting periods trying to remove and
avoid flies and reduce associated discomfort (Figure 8).
Lice Prevention
The cattle rub can be an effective tool for prevention of lice problems and some control of
lice infestation. If a severe lice population is present, the cattle rub will provide some control, but
other means of immediate control should be used. The rub, properly managed, can then prevent
renewed infestations.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Insecticides specific for lice control must be used. Co-Ral has worked well. Refer to Table 1
for other possibilities. The rub must be wetted with the appropriate insecticide mixture well in advance
of the expected initiation of the lice season. One month advanced wetting seems effective. The
cattle rub must be kept wet during the entire lice season, which is September to spring in southern
Oklahoma. Early wetting of the rub helps prevent early increase of lice populations.
There never was a lice problem in 13 years of using this tool for lice prevention on the
Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit. Lice prevention was apparently effective.
In grazing units using the tool, cattle often gather and bunch around water points. That
causes destruction of pasture and ground cover, resulting in more water point and water point
equipment damage and then added maintenance. The tool, parked away from the water point, attracts
cattle to that point and reduces equipment and land damage at the water point (Figure 18).
Many of the pasture management implications and uses of the tool are also quality of life
benefits for the grazier. Proper use of the tool in grazing management and management of grazing
livestock makes things easier, faster, safer, and less costly relative to other more paradigm oriented
means.
Grub Prevention
Grubs are controlled primarily by prevention of the heel fly. Some insecticides that are
effective in controlling grubs may control the actual grub with the cattle rub. During 13 years of
using this tool on the Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit, grubs were never a problem on resident
cattle.
Tick Prevention
Properly wetted and managed, the tool apparently helps prevent and control tick populations
on cattle. This is not a superb method of controlling existing ticks and if ticks are a serious problem,
other means of control will be necessary. Gentry (2001) reports acceptable tick control in wooded
paddocks.
Within All Functions
It is essential to realize that much of the basic function of the properly-managed cattle rub is
to prevent external parasite buildup. The degree of fly and other parasite buildup is far-ranging and
the precise economical threshold is ambiguous. However, when populations of flies increase they
can be brought back to low levels with the rub. Lice and tick problems are best prevented, but the
cattle rub offers some control. If they are not prevented, and populations are severe, another control
procedure will likely be needed.
In order for the tool to be effective, cattle must use it. All cattle of a given herd may not
frequent the cattle rub, although they may be at the area or the feeder. It is wise to have an animal
that knows the tool to teach others. However, cattle that use the rub, in turn, rub on other cattle as
they herd, bunch together, go to water, frequent shade, trail, breed, fight or have other contact. Thus,
the tool is effective directly and indirectly. A herd that never adapts to the tool is extremely rare.
In order for the tool to be effective, the cattle rub must be wetted with the proper material.
A palatable salt and mineral supplement must be used to bait the cattle to the wetted cattle rub. The
rub should be wetted at the early onset of spring fly season, each time a slight fly population increase
is observed, when a population reaches 50 to 100 flies per side of given cattle, after a rain spell, and
in anticipation of fly population increases and the lice and tick season. In the case of lice and tick
problems, additional control measures may be needed. If the lice and tick problem is already present,
they should be controlled with other more effective and immediate measures and then the cattle rub
used to prevent renewed populations.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Insecticides for Cattle Rubs and Dust Bags
Insecticides for both cattle rubs and dust bags are presented in Table 1. Our emphasis is on
the use of the cattle rub because we and other users have had excellent results with that technique.
Dust bag insecticides are included for the convenience of the manager who wishes to consider using
that technique for some parasite control. Some insecticides, such as the pyrethoids, are available in
many brands. The user of any insecticide must be certain to get the proper product. The LD 50 is
listed for general information about relative mammalian toxicity. Due to the nature of the chemicals
and the use with the tool, this method of parasite control is humane and relatively environmentally
safe by having minimal contact to the total environment.
Table 1. A List of Some Insecticides Approved For Use With a Cattle Rub and Dust Bag
Application Method
Cattle Rub
Dust Bag
Insecticides
Trade Name
Common Name
Coumaphos
Coumaphos
Malathion
Methoxychlor
Permethrin
Tetrachlorvinphos + Dichlorvos
Phosmet 11.6%
140
140
2800
6000
430 to 4000
4000 to 5000 + 80
147-316
Co-Ral 1% Dust
Permectrin 0.25% Dust Rabon 3% Dust
Coumaphos
Permethrin
Tetrachlorvinphos
140
430-4000
4000 to 5000
Co-Ral 5.6% EC
Co-Ral 11.6% EC
Malathion 57% EC
Methoxychlor 25% EC
Pyrethroids (Various % A.I.)
Rabon & Vapona (Ravap), 23% =5% A.I. Imaden
Acute Oral LD50
Cattle rub insecticides can be diluted with No. 2 diesel fuel, No. 2 fuel oil, white oil or
other approved diluents readily available and listed on the insecticide container label. We have
used diesel without any livestock problems in 13 years of use. It is possible that some thin haired
and tender skinned cattle may develop a rash from diesel fuel. The user must check the product
labels for mixture dilutions, precautions, and any other pertinent information on the use of these
insecticides for cattle rubs and dust bags. Always study the insecticide labels thoroughly. Check with
veterinarians and livestock specialists for other insecticides, updates and new products. Some producers use the dust bag technique primarily for face and horn fly control. Based upon
feedback from those users, the dust bag technique is effective, but not as effective as the well-managed
cattle rub technique. However, it may offer slightly less cost for a short time and be less messy. The
dust bag is not as all encompassing for external parasite control, especially on the lower body, as
certain insecticides used with the cattle rub. Humid weather tends to cause problems with the dust bags.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
The tool aids in the dispersal of cattle on the paddock. It can be parked at the opposite end
from water or in other different paddock locations during successive grazing cycles or moved to
different paddock locations during a given cycle (Figure 19). This contributes to grazing uniformity
(less spot grazing), better nutrient recycling distribution and other benefits in the paddock. The tool
can be used to attract cattle to somewhat under-used areas to enhance use of those areas (Figure
20). In addition, more than one tool in a paddock for large herds adds to cattle dispersal. This is
especially helpful in larger paddocks with herds more than about 150 head.
Figure 20. The tool positioned at a weedy area of a paddock to enhance grazing distribution and
animal impact on that area.
The tool can be used as an aid in rotating cattle. Cattle soon learn that when the grazier starts
to move the tool, they can follow it to the next paddock, which is usually a better grazing area. The
tool has, in effect, a lead animal influence (Figure 3). This use of the tool can be extended to baiting
cattle to new gate locations, across creeks, rough paddock areas, ditches, through trees and other
obstacle areas, into a corral location and other areas as needed.
The tool can be used to encourage nursing calves and newly weaned calves to creep graze
(Figure 4). It can be parked close to the creep grazing access in the paddock fence or close to a
grain creep feeder to facilitate creep grazing or creep feeding. The tool baits the cow/calf herd to
the location, the calf sees the creep access and learns to use it more quickly. Once creep grazing is
learned, the calf will continue without the tool being close by at all times. When the calf is retained
for a time after weaning, continued creep grazing can be enhanced by again using the tool to bait the
calves to a creep grazing access.
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Cattle Rub Tool
The cattle rub is worn by use and exposure to the environment (Figure 17). Moisture and
ultraviolet rays apparently hasten the deterioration of the rub. When the external parasite season is over,
it is wise to store the rub inside a shelter out of the weather and sunlight. In our experience with herds
of about 150 head or less, the rub lasts two to three years. The lower portion gets worn first and the rub
ends can be switched to extend rub life. Covering the cattle rub with a layer of burlap or cotton ducking
material during use may extend the rub life.
Figure 17. A cattle rub well worn on the lower end where most use occurs. The rub can be
reversed to extend use. Pasture Management Uses
The fact that cattle use the tool gives the manager the option to use the tool to help facilitate
pasture management as a separate consideration to the salt/mixed feeder and cattle rub function of
the tool.
One of the considerations in rotational stocking management is to keep all cattle needs
dispersed within a paddock, and on the whole of the unit, to capture as many of the benefits of
animal impact of rotational stocking as feasible. Thus, animal impact advantages are spread as
uniformly as possible within the paddock and within the whole grazing unit. In general, water
points, corrals, feeding areas, salt/mineral locations, shade areas, loading location, and any other
attractant should be located separately to help disperse cattle impact (figures 18 and 19). The tools
portability helps the grazier disperse cattle impact. Non-essential items to forage management should
be outside the paddock. These items include such things as permanent corrals and loading facilities.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 18. A well managed four paddock grazing unit where the tool, and all other attractants, are out
into the paddock away from the water points and each other.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 19. A model of the tool positioned too close to a shade tree and thus causing cattle distribution
problems (top) and the tool located out into the paddock away from the shade trees and the lane to
water at the far end and thus encouraging excellent cattle dispersal (bottom).
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 18. A well managed four paddock grazing unit where the tool, and all other attractants, are out
into the paddock away from the water points and each other.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 19. A model of the tool positioned too close to a shade tree and thus causing cattle distribution
problems (top) and the tool located out into the paddock away from the shade trees and the lane to
water at the far end and thus encouraging excellent cattle dispersal (bottom).
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
The tool aids in the dispersal of cattle on the paddock. It can be parked at the opposite end
from water or in other different paddock locations during successive grazing cycles or moved to
different paddock locations during a given cycle (Figure 19). This contributes to grazing uniformity
(less spot grazing), better nutrient recycling distribution and other benefits in the paddock. The tool
can be used to attract cattle to somewhat under-used areas to enhance use of those areas (Figure
20). In addition, more than one tool in a paddock for large herds adds to cattle dispersal. This is
especially helpful in larger paddocks with herds more than about 150 head.
Figure 20. The tool positioned at a weedy area of a paddock to enhance grazing distribution and
animal impact on that area.
The tool can be used as an aid in rotating cattle. Cattle soon learn that when the grazier starts
to move the tool, they can follow it to the next paddock, which is usually a better grazing area. The
tool has, in effect, a lead animal influence (Figure 3). This use of the tool can be extended to baiting
cattle to new gate locations, across creeks, rough paddock areas, ditches, through trees and other
obstacle areas, into a corral location and other areas as needed.
The tool can be used to encourage nursing calves and newly weaned calves to creep graze
(Figure 4). It can be parked close to the creep grazing access in the paddock fence or close to a
grain creep feeder to facilitate creep grazing or creep feeding. The tool baits the cow/calf herd to
the location, the calf sees the creep access and learns to use it more quickly. Once creep grazing is
learned, the calf will continue without the tool being close by at all times. When the calf is retained
for a time after weaning, continued creep grazing can be enhanced by again using the tool to bait the
calves to a creep grazing access.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
The cattle rub is worn by use and exposure to the environment (Figure 17). Moisture and
ultraviolet rays apparently hasten the deterioration of the rub. When the external parasite season is over,
it is wise to store the rub inside a shelter out of the weather and sunlight. In our experience with herds
of about 150 head or less, the rub lasts two to three years. The lower portion gets worn first and the rub
ends can be switched to extend rub life. Covering the cattle rub with a layer of burlap or cotton ducking
material during use may extend the rub life.
Figure 17. A cattle rub well worn on the lower end where most use occurs. The rub can be
reversed to extend use. Pasture Management Uses
The fact that cattle use the tool gives the manager the option to use the tool to help facilitate
pasture management as a separate consideration to the salt/mixed feeder and cattle rub function of
the tool.
One of the considerations in rotational stocking management is to keep all cattle needs
dispersed within a paddock, and on the whole of the unit, to capture as many of the benefits of
animal impact of rotational stocking as feasible. Thus, animal impact advantages are spread as
uniformly as possible within the paddock and within the whole grazing unit. In general, water
points, corrals, feeding areas, salt/mineral locations, shade areas, loading location, and any other
attractant should be located separately to help disperse cattle impact (figures 18 and 19). The tools
portability helps the grazier disperse cattle impact. Non-essential items to forage management should
be outside the paddock. These items include such things as permanent corrals and loading facilities.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Insecticides specific for lice control must be used. Co-Ral has worked well. Refer to Table 1
for other possibilities. The rub must be wetted with the appropriate insecticide mixture well in advance
of the expected initiation of the lice season. One month advanced wetting seems effective. The
cattle rub must be kept wet during the entire lice season, which is September to spring in southern
Oklahoma. Early wetting of the rub helps prevent early increase of lice populations.
There never was a lice problem in 13 years of using this tool for lice prevention on the
Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit. Lice prevention was apparently effective.
In grazing units using the tool, cattle often gather and bunch around water points. That
causes destruction of pasture and ground cover, resulting in more water point and water point
equipment damage and then added maintenance. The tool, parked away from the water point, attracts
cattle to that point and reduces equipment and land damage at the water point (Figure 18).
Many of the pasture management implications and uses of the tool are also quality of life
benefits for the grazier. Proper use of the tool in grazing management and management of grazing
livestock makes things easier, faster, safer, and less costly relative to other more paradigm oriented
means.
Grub Prevention
Grubs are controlled primarily by prevention of the heel fly. Some insecticides that are
effective in controlling grubs may control the actual grub with the cattle rub. During 13 years of
using this tool on the Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit, grubs were never a problem on resident
cattle.
Tick Prevention
Properly wetted and managed, the tool apparently helps prevent and control tick populations
on cattle. This is not a superb method of controlling existing ticks and if ticks are a serious problem,
other means of control will be necessary. Gentry (2001) reports acceptable tick control in wooded
paddocks.
Within All Functions
It is essential to realize that much of the basic function of the properly-managed cattle rub is
to prevent external parasite buildup. The degree of fly and other parasite buildup is far-ranging and
the precise economical threshold is ambiguous. However, when populations of flies increase they
can be brought back to low levels with the rub. Lice and tick problems are best prevented, but the
cattle rub offers some control. If they are not prevented, and populations are severe, another control
procedure will likely be needed.
In order for the tool to be effective, cattle must use it. All cattle of a given herd may not
frequent the cattle rub, although they may be at the area or the feeder. It is wise to have an animal
that knows the tool to teach others. However, cattle that use the rub, in turn, rub on other cattle as
they herd, bunch together, go to water, frequent shade, trail, breed, fight or have other contact. Thus,
the tool is effective directly and indirectly. A herd that never adapts to the tool is extremely rare.
In order for the tool to be effective, the cattle rub must be wetted with the proper material.
A palatable salt and mineral supplement must be used to bait the cattle to the wetted cattle rub. The
rub should be wetted at the early onset of spring fly season, each time a slight fly population increase
is observed, when a population reaches 50 to 100 flies per side of given cattle, after a rain spell, and
in anticipation of fly population increases and the lice and tick season. In the case of lice and tick
problems, additional control measures may be needed. If the lice and tick problem is already present,
they should be controlled with other more effective and immediate measures and then the cattle rub
used to prevent renewed populations.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Insecticides for Cattle Rubs and Dust Bags
Insecticides for both cattle rubs and dust bags are presented in Table 1. Our emphasis is on
the use of the cattle rub because we and other users have had excellent results with that technique.
Dust bag insecticides are included for the convenience of the manager who wishes to consider using
that technique for some parasite control. Some insecticides, such as the pyrethoids, are available in
many brands. The user of any insecticide must be certain to get the proper product. The LD 50 is
listed for general information about relative mammalian toxicity. Due to the nature of the chemicals
and the use with the tool, this method of parasite control is humane and relatively environmentally
safe by having minimal contact to the total environment.
Table 1. A List of Some Insecticides Approved For Use With a Cattle Rub and Dust Bag
Application Method
Cattle Rub
Dust Bag
Insecticides
Trade Name
Common Name
Coumaphos
Coumaphos
Malathion
Methoxychlor
Permethrin
Tetrachlorvinphos + Dichlorvos
Phosmet 11.6%
140
140
2800
6000
430 to 4000
4000 to 5000 + 80
147-316
Co-Ral 1% Dust
Permectrin 0.25% Dust Rabon 3% Dust
Coumaphos
Permethrin
Tetrachlorvinphos
140
430-4000
4000 to 5000
Co-Ral 5.6% EC
Co-Ral 11.6% EC
Malathion 57% EC
Methoxychlor 25% EC
Pyrethroids (Various % A.I.)
Rabon & Vapona (Ravap), 23% =5% A.I. Imaden
Acute Oral LD50
Cattle rub insecticides can be diluted with No. 2 diesel fuel, No. 2 fuel oil, white oil or
other approved diluents readily available and listed on the insecticide container label. We have
used diesel without any livestock problems in 13 years of use. It is possible that some thin haired
and tender skinned cattle may develop a rash from diesel fuel. The user must check the product
labels for mixture dilutions, precautions, and any other pertinent information on the use of these
insecticides for cattle rubs and dust bags. Always study the insecticide labels thoroughly. Check with
veterinarians and livestock specialists for other insecticides, updates and new products. Some producers use the dust bag technique primarily for face and horn fly control. Based upon
feedback from those users, the dust bag technique is effective, but not as effective as the well-managed
cattle rub technique. However, it may offer slightly less cost for a short time and be less messy. The
dust bag is not as all encompassing for external parasite control, especially on the lower body, as
certain insecticides used with the cattle rub. Humid weather tends to cause problems with the dust bags.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
We have used primarily Co-Ral 5.6% EC at the proper dilution in diesel oil. This product has
served well for face, head, and horn fly control and prevention, grub prevention, tick prevention and
lice prevention. Our thought was to use one good product to accomplish many things, and thus keep
the management as good, simple and grazier friendly as possible. There have not been any perceived
insecticide resistance of flies and we do not expect any resulting from the use of this product with the
tool.
Some graziers may choose to vary the insecticide used to lessen costs and to target specific
flies, lice, or ticks. This may be done to limit cost by a few cents per herd. We have not found it
necessary to do so. Varying insecticide use two or more times a year also increases management
decisions, storage problems, etc. However, insecticide application to the rub on an as needed basis
can limit costs to the minimum without reducing results.
Materials and Construction Parameters
Three basic materials are used for the tool: steel, wood and plastic. Steel materials for the
runners, frame, risers and braces are preferred. These materials are also often available as lower
cost salvage material. Some graziers prefer to construct the mainframe of treated wood (Figure 41).
Materials choice depends on the readily available supply, the most economical construction and
method of assembly (some graziers do not have a welder).
Nothing beats a heavy-walled (about one-fourth inch thick or more) poly drum (plastic) for
the salt and mineral feeder. Wood is next best and steel is least preferred. The drums are available
in salvage trade and cost is minimal at about $15 or less per 55-gallon drum which can make two
feeders. Noble Foundation models of the salt and mineral feeder made of poly drums are in good
condition after about 12 years of use. There are many good models of the basic properly designed tool that can provide the
numerous advantages discussed. Some good designs are represented throughout in Figures 7, 10,
11, 12, 14 and 19. The model pictured on the cover and in Figures 11, 37, and in this section is
considered among the best overall design for all intended purposes. It is used for the model of the
schematic diagram (Figure 37) and for construction parameter information.
If the grazier making one of the tools prefers a smaller or otherwise different design, the
information in this part can be used as a guide to adapt to the chosen design.
Construction parameters for this section model are shown in side view and end views
(Figures 21, 22 and 23). These illustrations present the overall physical view. It is also portrayed as a
schematic drawing in Figure 37.
Figure 16. Some cattle get infested before others. This bull has harmful levels of flies exceeding the
stressful level of 50 to 100 or more per side.
One of the environmental benefits of the cattle rub is that insecticide only reaches the target
(cattle and parasites) and it is used only as needed. The technique is relatively environmentally
friendly, as there is apparently little or no ill effect on bees and other beneficial insects, pond water
and other water sources, soil, vegetation or farm structures.
Stressful and harmful levels of flies are judged to be:
•
When more than about 50 to 100 or more horn flies (body flies) are present on the sides of
most cattle or those cattle that flies infest first, or when face flies or heel flies are obviously
bothersome (Figure 16).
• When cattle rapidly switch tails, stomp, run, and run through tall vegetation and woody
areas to brush flies off (Figure 8). This is especially indicative of horn fly populations on
cattle. Heel flies, that produce grubs, infest the legs of cattle and may cause much stomping
and running.
• When cattle bunch tightly together during grazing and resting periods trying to remove and
avoid flies and reduce associated discomfort (Figure 8).
Lice Prevention
The cattle rub can be an effective tool for prevention of lice problems and some control of
lice infestation. If a severe lice population is present, the cattle rub will provide some control, but
other means of immediate control should be used. The rub, properly managed, can then prevent
renewed infestations.
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Cattle Rub Tool
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
The best approach to fly control is prevention. When the rub is properly wetted with the
appropriate insecticide mix, it kills existing flies, repels flies, and prevents a serious population
buildup. Research from Virginia shows a high level of fly control with the cattle rub (Roberts and
Salute, 1982).
The manager of the herd should activate the rub at the start of the spring fly season (Figure
15). Oklahoma’s fly season begins in April and May. The rub should be kept wet as needed all
summer and into fall for lice prevention. First time wetting of a 10 foot cattle rub may require three
to five gallons of solution (Figure 15). If a fly population builds to 50 to 100 or more flies per side
of the cattle anytime during summer, the flies can be controlled with frequent use of the rub. Control
in this case is not immediate and often requires one to two weeks, but rarely more. It is best to
anticipate the need to wet the rub with insecticide.
Figure 21. Full length view.
Figure 15. Pouring insecticide and diesel mixture on the cattle rub. Always wear protective gloves and
observe precautions on the insecticide container label.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 22. Feeder and roof end view.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Cattle Rub
There are many choices of insecticides and methods for controlling cattle flies, grubs, lice
and ticks, which include an array of sprays, dusts, ear tags, pour-on chemicals, injections, and
feeding products. Flytraps, rotational stocking and the cattle rub are all alternative choices. The cattle
rub is also known as a back rubber, fly wipe, wick and other common names.
Insecticide uses are well documented in university extension, USDA, and commercial
publications. Low input alternative methods of fly traps, rotational stocking, and the cattle rub are
of interest to many stockmen. The flytrap has application in small to medium size units and where
operators want to cut chemical inputs to near zero. Construction plans for these traps are available
(Anon., 1991). They may be constructed in the home shop.
It is widely accepted that rotational stocking can be done in a manner to rotate cattle away
from existing flies, or to rotate cattle out of a paddock before a new generation of flies is hatched in
that paddock. This is effective in very small and large grazing units, but results appear to be better in
the larger units. Some graziers observe that rotating cattle at dusk is more effective in getting cattle
away from flies (Anon., 2001a).
Figure 23. Cattle rub and hitch end view.
The low-input methods mentioned above help reduce fly populations, but there is often
a population left on the cattle that is judged to be economically harmful. Fly traps and rotational
stocking also do little, if anything, to control lice and ticks. The cattle rub can aid in better overall
external parasite control of flies, grubs, lice and ticks, with or without the listed alternative methods. In summary, the frame is all steel for strength and longevity. Runners and risers are two
and three-eighths inch diameter salvaged pipe. The legs and feeder supports are two-inch wide,
one-fourth inch thick angle iron. The supports leading to the roof are one and one-half inch wide,
one-fourth inch thick, angle iron. These supports should be gusseted top and bottom for more joint
strength. The roof frame and rafters are made of one and one-half inch wide, three-sixteenths inch
thick square tubing. The roof material is galvanized sheet iron fastened with sheet metal screws with
neoprene washers.
Runners, legs, risers and any other stress points should all be gusseted to provide added
structural strength where they meet other parts of the frame similar to that shown for the tall riser
(Figure 24).
Management of the cattle rub portion of the tool involves five functions:
• Fly prevention and control;
• Grub prevention and some control;
• Lice prevention and some control;
• Tick prevention and some control;
• Limited prevention and control of stable flies, horse and deer flies, and mosquitoes.
Much of the function of the properly managed cattle rub is to prevent external parasite
population buildups to stressful or economic threshold level. Cattle apparently use the rub to seek
relief from biting, itching, and otherwise uncomfortable insect presence. Using the cattle rub kills
or repels insects and then cattle get relief. Cattle like to rub on objects and once accustomed to the
cattle rub they often habitually use it, preventing parasite buildup. It appears that cattle also learn to
rub by observing herd mates rubbing. It is advisable to have a calf, stocker, or cow that knows the
cattle rub in the herd to help teach other cattle to use the rub.
Fly Prevention and Control
The objective of the insecticide-soaked cattle rub is to reduce fly and lice populations in order
to reduce stress on cattle. Tick populations will be controlled with the correct insecticide but the
population may not be as dramatically reduced as flies. To expect total elimination of flies and other
external parasites is unrealistic. SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 14. When salt and mineral are fed separately, a division in the feeder should be used.
Note the wheels assist in transporting.
The salt and mineral supplement can also contain an appropriate ionophore as applicable to
the cattle enterprise management and production targets. We have employed this technique with the
tool as a part of the livestock and forage management scheme with stocker cattle.
Systemic insecticides and dewormers can also be provided as part of the salt and mineral
supplements. We have not done that because of higher costs and the long-term impact of those
products on the non-target (non-cattle) parts of the paddock environment. Some products have a
negative impact on earthworms and dung beetles and possibly other organisms. We prefer to treat the
cattle individually with the tool, and use products that are effective and relatively environmentally
friendly. Figure 24. Use a gusset for added strength at critical points.
Runners should be set wide at about 48 inches to prevent cattle tipping the tool over (Figure
25). They should be narrow enough to allow the tool to slide into the back of a pickup for long
distance hauling. Curve both of the ends of the runners up at about a 45-degree angle to provide a
good sled runner affect (Figures 25 and 26). These curved runners should be gusseted to provide
more structural strength.
Many of the tools depicted do not have a roof over the salt and mineral feeder. In our case,
and in the climate of the southern Oklahoma region, this has been satisfactory. Supplemental feeding
is done as needed and only the amount needed for a few days is provided. Cattle are typically
monitored daily or frequently and as that supply dwindles, more salt and mineral is added.
Roofs over the feeder are advisable in more humid and high rainfall regions and also where
the manager will supply large amounts of supplement to last long periods of time (Figure 11). The
roof should help prevent the wastage of mineral in high rainfall areas.
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Recommendations for specific salt, mineral and other feedstuffs can be procured from a
qualified animal nutritionist. The salt and mineral combination, however, should be specific for the
livestock enterprise, and the expected nutrient deficiency in the forage or feed supply. We have used
hard block, pelleted, and soft, small, granulated salt and mineral mixtures. All of those forms were used
successfully. We prefer the pelleted or small-loose granulated mixtures due to the palatability and ease
of adjusting palatability, ease and rapidness of cattle consumption of the supplement, ease of altering
the mix, changes in season and nutrient requirements, ease of feeding the product, usually lower cost
per ton, and the observation that more head of cattle can feed at a feeder on a given amount of loose
supplement compared to the same amount of feeder space with hard block supplements due to less time
needed to intake salt/mineral feeds. Loose minerals fed in feeders without a roof should be formulated
with additives to keep the mineral soft and crumbly (after it gets wet by precipitation) and not become
hard upon drying (Figure 13).
Figure 25. Wide stance runners to prevent tipping by cattle.
A salt and mineral supplement must be adequately palatable in order to serve as an attractant to
the cattle. Some grazers prefer to provide salt and mineral as separate items. We prefer to provide these
nutrients as a mixture for control of the product content and the cattle consumption of it. If salt and
mineral are fed separate, the feeder can be divided into compartments (Figure 14). In our experience,
palatability has been excellent with the salt and mineral combination we used that contained 20 percent
to 30 percent loose salt. Having an adequate amount of salt provides palatability and having just
enough limits over-consumption. The exact amount needed in the mixture is a trial and error issue.
Palatability is a very important factor. Once the proper ratio of salt to mineral is determined it usually
stays near the same for a given herd. The acceptance of the mixture is very dynamic and involves much
more than salt. However, the salt content of the salt and mineral mix is easy for the manager to control
on the grazing unit. The salt portion needed may also vary with the seasonal forage changes.
Figure 26. Runner angled to allow easier transport.
Note gusset that forms a loop for chain hitch.
SRNF 2002
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Figure 13. When a roof is not installed on the tool salt/mineral feeder, mineral mixtures with additives
should be used so the mineral will stay soft when it dries after getting wet. Cattle Rub Tool
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
Foundation demonstrations, most paddocks involving the use of the tool were about 50 acres or less
with no adverse effects. Trailing distance to the tool of up to about 2,000 feet did not seem to hinder
fly control results with herds accustomed to the technique.
With regard to fly control, the cattle rub is primarily for face flies, horn flies and heel flies.
The tool prevents a buildup of lice. Tick control can also be good with proper insecticide dosage
(Gentry, 2001). Appropriately managed, the cattle rub appears to repel some deer and horse flies, but
control is not good. Other methods of control must be used for deer and horse flies, or cattle must
tolerate them.
The Feeder and Cattle Rub Management
The runner or wheel assist should be long enough to support the total length of the tool.
Make the runner end that supports the tall riser for the cattle rub just long enough to hold the
support. Secure the rub to be used, which will probably be the 10-foot model, and use it as a gauge to
measure and cut the runner length and the riser height. Make the length between the low end of the
cattle rub to the top of the riser about two feet longer than the cattle rub so there is space to tighten
the rub as it stretches during use.
Make the support for the tall riser very stout (Figure 27). It is greatly stressed in use. In this
example, the base support is made of one-inch-by-four-inch rectangular tubing with a one-fourth
inch wall thickness. Weld it securely and install gussets on all sides of the riser. This illustration
shows only one gusset. There should be more.
Our, and other graziers’, experiences with this tool have involved cattle. There may be some
adaptations of the tool for use on goats, horses, sheep, and other relatively large native wildlife and
exotic grazing animals. The rub portion of the tool can be adapted to use in some swine enterprises.
It may be used in some dairy cattle enterprises.
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder
The feeder portion of the tool can be used to feed salt, mineral, ionophore feeds and possibly
other feeds. Those supplements, in turn, bait or attract the cattle to the tool and they learn to use the
cattle rub while feeding on the supplements (Figure 12). Figure 27. The tools runner support of tall riser, gusset, and chain hitch attachment.
Note space under support for pasture passage.
The riser should be about six and one-half feet from ground line to the top, with the
attachment loop for the top of the cattle rub about six inches from the top (Figure 28). Cap the top to
prevent water from collecting in the riser (Figure 29) and leave or drill a hole about one-half inch in
diameter at the very bottom of the riser for condensation water to escape, preventing rusting at the
base of the riser.
Figure 12. Stocker cattle consuming salt/mineral mixture and learning to use the cattle rub.
the tool is parked too close to the shade trees.
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Note:
Cattle Rub Tool
SRNF 2002
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Cattle Rub Tool
In relatively high density grazing, the larger models with a 10-foot cattle rub can service
150 to 175 head of cattle, so the material cost is approximately $1 per head for that number of
cattle. That cost is further diluted over time. Over a 5-year time span, material cost is only about
$0.20 per head when one 150 head herd used the tool per year. Over time, material cost per head is
minimal per head of use and it gets near zero. It is much lower cost than many common commercial
insecticide methods, which usually include more labor and equipment expense. A 10-foot cattle rub
(wick) costs about $20 to $25. These rubs have lasted us about two to three years depending on herd
size. The more larger herds use them, the quicker the rubs wear. Cost for the rub for 150 head for
three years is about $0.05 per head.
Insecticide and diluent (diesel) costs are variable between herds and years. Overall, our costs
have been about $1 per head per year, and that includes all the multiple uses of the tool charged to
the cattle insecticide mixture. It is appropriate to repeat that the cattle are never gathered for these
uses.
The well-made metal frame models, properly cared for, have lasted over 10 years with
minimal repair. Maintenance cost to re-weld or replace a rusted runner or other parts have been
minimal. The poly drum for the salt-mineral feeder remained in good shape after more than 10 years
of use. Dark-colored (blue and black) poly drum life is unknown but very long. Wooden models are
expected to require more maintenance.
The life span of the cattle rub may be extended by storing it in the shade, and out of the rain,
when it is not in use. Sun (ultraviolet rays) deteriorates the rub cover. Wrapping the new rub with
salvaged burlap or other acceptable material will extend the life of the rub.
Figure 28. Full view of the tall riser with rub attached and the extended chain hitch.
Limitations
Our experience with the cattle rub is primarily with small herds of up to about 150 stockers
or cows with calves. Fly control and other benefits were excellent in these cases. The P.H. White
Co. recommends using one cattle rub per 30 to 50 head of cattle or less (P.H. White, personal
communication). This would likely be the case under continuous stocking or lax rotational stocking
where there is less animal control. We have had excellent results with one tool for up to 150 head of
beef cattle stocked within about one-fourth mile from the tool. When there are more than about 150
head, fly control may be reduced. In these cases, more than one portable tool should be used. With
herds of 200 head and more of cows plus their calves, two tools must be used. The tools should be
in separate locations in the paddock. The number of well-spaced tools needed for herds of over 200
head must be determined through trial and error for a given operation.
Figure 29. The tall riser top, cap, cattle rub attachment and heavy duty large hook for the chain hitch.
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Cattle Rub Tool
A limitation in practical use may be with very large herds and great expanses of acreage. At
some point, there is a tradeoff of the management of the tool, its effectiveness, and the time required
to manage the system. Individual managers can determine that point for themselves through trial
and error. A trailing distance to and from the tool of up to about one-half mile does not seem to be a
limiting factor for a well-managed tool in a well-managed rotational stocking unit. Extremely large paddocks may present a problem with parasite control due to infrequent use
by the cattle. Maximum paddock size for optimum use of the tool is not known. On Noble
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Cattle Rub Tool
The hitch is best made of link chain of about three-eighth to one-half inch diameter links
(Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30). Rope hitches wear out too quickly. Cable hitches are not grazier
friendly. Make the hitch chain long enough to extend about five feet in front of the runners and attach
it permanently to the tool (Figure 28). This allows easy attachment to the vehicle, tractor, or ATV
with these transports coming to the hitch sideways or by backing into it. Hitch chains that are too
short are not grazier friendly. If the chain hitch is long enough, the vehicle does not have to back into
the tool to move it. Simply drive close along side the hitch and drop it onto the ball hitch. Attach the
chain hitch to loops on the ends of the runners as shown in Figures 25 and 27. Make a permanent
loop in the end of the chain (Figure 30). This loop is the tongue to drop over the ball hitch on the
ATV or vehicle and to hook onto the storage hook at the top of the riser (Figure 29). Pull the chain
hitch out full length, find the center, and install a large bolt or quick link to create about a six-inch
loop (Figure 29 and 30). It is also handy to have a hook on the end of the chain to attach to the
pulling ATV or vehicle. Always hook the chain hitch to the storage hook on the riser to keep it out of
the mud, manure, ice and snow, and to keep it from freezing to the earth (Figure 29). Make the hook
high on the riser so cattle cannot unhook it.
Figure 10. A larger model of the tool with more components and a materials cost of about $100 to
$150.
Figure 11. A large model of the tool with wide runners and a roof over the salt-mineral feeder. This
unit’s materials cost is about $200 to $250.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 30. Dropping the permanently looped end of the chain hitch over a ball hitch. The end of the
chain hitch could also have a hook to attach to the pulling vehicle.
An equipment jack can be added to the cattle rub end to raise the tool up to the ball hitch
(Figure 31). This is more useful on the wheeled assist models and on any model where moving
distance is great.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 31. Some graziers may want to install a ball hitch and tongue jack to the towing end of the tool.
The cattle rub should be attached to the loop near the top of the tall riser and to the loop at
the edge of the salt/mineral feeder (Figures 21, 29 and 32). The cattle rub should be about six feet
above ground line on the high end and about 16 to 18 inches above ground line on the low end at
the feeder (Figure 32). Once installed, it can serve all sizes of cattle from small calves to large bulls.
Make this connection using a very heavy duty snap and as many easily added “quick link” chain
links as needed (Figure 29). This technique allows easy tension adjustment of the cattle rub rope as it
stretches. The cattle rub should have a slight droop. It does not need to be extremely tight. It should
cover the contour of the cattle body as it is used. A major source for cattle rubs is the P. H. White
Co., Box 155, Dyersburg, TN 38025-0155; phone (800) 344-0115.
The optional roof should be about six feet above ground line, or slightly taller than the largest
animal in the herd (Figures 21, 22 and 23). For this model it needs to be about six by six feet square
to protect the salt and mineral in inclement weather. Basic construction is shown in Figure 33. The
roof is optional.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 9. Two small models of the tool with about $50 in materials cost.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 8. About 125 head of stressed stocker cattle coveyed tightly together, milling around, rubbing
on each other, and tail switching vigorously trying to get relief from the irritation of a heavy fly
infestation.
Figure 32. The cattle rub attachment to the feeder at low end should be about 16 to 18 inches above
ground line.
Figure 33. The basic optional roof design.
Economics
Material cost of the tool ranged from about $50 to more than $250, depending on the model
and use of new or used materials. These costs do not include the cattle rub (wick). Materials for
the tool similar to that depicted in Figure 9 should cost about $50, whereas a larger model, similar
to that depicted in Figure 10 would cost up to $150 or more. A large roofed model similar to that
in Figure 11 would cost about $200 to $250. Using salvaged materials that most graziers have can
substantially reduce direct materials cost. Having the tool made by a commercial welder will add
100 percent or more to total cost over materials cost.
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Cattle Rub Tool
.
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Cattle Rub Tool
The salt/mineral feeder reservoir is best made from a 55-gallon poly drum (plastic barrel).
Use a dark-colored drum with thick walls (one-fourth inch or more)(Figure 34). Blue is long lasting,
red, yellow, and white are intermediate in life span, and black is the longest lasting of all. Cut the
drum in half length-wise and fasten it to the feeder frame with about three-eighth inch bolts. Support
the feeder on the bottom with cross braces welded onto the feeder frame. The feeder designed in this
manner will provide salt/mineral for up to about 400 head of cattle (Figure 34). This far surpasses
the capacity of the 10-foot cattle rub, but more cattle eating at the feeder tends to cause more use of
the rub and more desirable animal impact on the area. Drill about three-eighth inch holes on about
one inch spacing in both ends of the drum feeder to allow water to escape (Figure 35). The feeder
may be divided for feeding separate feeds (Figure 14).
Figure 34. The basic feeder made of a horizontal half of a 55-gallon poly drum.
Figure 7. The properly-constructed tool can be moved with a four-wheel drive ATV (top) or pickup
(bottom), other usual vehicles or a horse.
Figure 35. Drill drain holes in both ends of the salt and mineral feeder to allow water to drain out of
the feeder.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
General Characteristics
The multipurpose tool must have the following general characteristics to succeed in all the
aspects discussed.
•
•
•
•
•
It must be grazier or user friendly. The tool must be easily constructed in a farm and ranch
shop or a commercial shop. It must be easily serviced and rarely need repairs.
The tool must be easily transportable. It is intended to be used in a rotational stocking unit
and it will be moved regularly. It may also be used in a stationary location. It must be easily
transportable by the grazier with the choice of a four-wheeler ATV (all terrain vehicle),
saddle horse, common vehicle or tractor (Figure 7). The tool must have an adequate salt-mineral feeder properly positioned to serve the size and
number of cattle in the herd. The salt-mineral feeder should be durable and easily filled and
maintained. The salt-mineral feeder serves as both nutrition supply and a bait to draw cattle
to the cattle rub portion of the tool.
The tool must provide adequate to superb external parasite control when properly managed.
It must be properly designed within the various parameters of its intended uses. The proper
proportioning of the whole tool and the proper positioning (juxtaposition) of the salt-mineral
feeder and cattle rub are essential for best success. Construction parameters are discussed
later in the publication.
Some Cattle Benefits
If flies are a very serious problem, controlling them can add to cattle weight gain. High fly
populations on cattle lead to obvious discomfort and stress. One early sign of cattle discomfort in
paddocks is coveying to seek relief from fly bites (Figure 8).
Herd coveying often causes spots of forage within a paddock to be completely destroyed,
representing an economic lose through that destruction, spot soil erosion, and added maintenance
of pasture stands. In the act of seeking comfort from insect infestation, cattle tend to be restless,
prone to some contesting and running. This can contribute to fence, water point and other facility
damage increasing time and expense of management. When fly infestation is very severe, cattle can
inflict self-mutilations and hide loss in efforts to get relief from the discomfort (Gary Woulfe, DVM,
personal communication).
Control of flies and ticks helps reduce the incidence of diseases they transmit. These diseases
include forms of pinkeye, anaplasmosis, and various tick-borne diseases (Lawrence M. Tague,
DVM, personal communication).
Heavy infestations of lice cause itching, discomfort, associated stress, hair loss, and hide
damage. The itching from lice and biting by flies apparently encourages cattle to use the cattle rub,
making it an effective control tool.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 36. The tall riser may be rigged to hinge about 18 inches off ground line (top) to allow passage
of the tool under a one wire electric fence (bottom).
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Cattle Rub Tool
Research
Schematic Diagram
The following is a schematic diagram (Figure 37) of what is considered one of the best
overall models. It is among the best construction for all of the tool’s uses. The diagram can be a good
visual aid to use during construction. It shows the optional roof, dust bag arm, riser hinge, and wheel
assist runner. The general design can be altered to suit the home shop builder, as long as the basic
functions of the tool are not compromised. Precise measures for building the tool are not presented,
and there is reason for that. Most on-farm or ranch builders choose to decide on their own final
model and to use materials on hand. These builders generally measure, cut, fit and attach the parts
together as they build the tool. Precise measures are not needed for our intended purposes herein.
Dust Bag Arm
Hinge (optional)
Rain Shield (roof)
(optional)
Cattle Rub Ring
Adjustable Cattle Rub
Hook and Chain
Dust Bag Arm
(optional)
Adjustable chain
(or rope)
Dust Bag
(optional)
Cattle Rub
(wick)
about
52"
Rub
Ring
Divider
Gussets
if needed
Salt/Mineral Feeder
(One or two drum lengths
with dividers)
Tall
Riser
Riser Hinge
(Optional)
6'
Permanent
Hitch Loop
Gussets
Tow Chain
Runners
about
18"
Hitch Rings
26"
out 1
Ab
ure 1
ee fig
nal: S
Optio
4'
Figure 37. Schematic diagram of a portable two-compartment salt/mineral feeder and cattle rub tool with
optional rain shield, dust bag and full-length runner components (see Figure 1 and 38 for short runner model).
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Cattle Rub Tool
It is not the objective of the publication to thoroughly report research results on control of
flies, lice, ticks, etc. However, some results are of particular interest in the use of this tool.
Part of our interest in the tool is its ease of use, i.e., the grazier friendly quality of it. Some
of these qualities were documented in a Progressive Farmer magazine study (Anon., 2000). In that
study, 76.5 percent of cattleman surveyed considered the cattle rub to be very easy to use relative to
other common methods of fly control.
The same study reported the cattle rub to be the most economical and the easiest on cattle
and more than 90 percent of those surveyed considered the resulting fly control to be moderate to
very dependable. In our experience, the insecticide and solvent cost was about $1 per animal per
year for face, horn and heel fly prevention and control, grub prevention, lice prevention and all other
livestock and forage management advantages. These benefits were received and we did not gather or
handle the cattle once.
Face fly and horn fly control on cattle via forced use cattle rub impregnated with various
insecticides was excellent (Roberts and Saluta, 1982). Results showed control could often be 95
percent to 100 percent. Seventy-five percent of the time, fly control was over 90 percent with
the cattle rub technique. The objective of fly control is not to totally eliminate flies, but to limit
populations to relatively harmless levels. The results of the research illustrate that reduced fly
infestation is easily obtainable through the use of the cattle rub.
The various cattle-infesting external parasites have interesting and important behaviors
relative to cattle and pasture infestation. It is not the purpose of this publication to provide that
information, but the reader is encouraged to seek such information from Extension agents, animal
scientists and commercial sources. This education will help the user visualize how the tool controls
flies, lice and grubs.
Some research shows that controlling flies on cattle can economically improve animal
performance (Cocke, et al, 1989; DeRouen, et al, 1995; Foil, et al, 1996). In these studies, conducted in
Louisiana and Texas, total weight gains of weaned calves or yearling stocker cattle were reported to be
27 pounds more per head of weaned calf and 17 percent better gain of yearlings in two studies. When
this is the case, it represents a very positive economic benefit to fly control alone. Returns in these
studies, where quoted, were about $7 for a $1 investment in direct cost of the fly control procedure
used. Results from fly control studies are variable and not always positive. However, when using the
tool for all its intended purposes, there are many positive functions in cattle and grazing management.
Fly control alone may actually be a minor component of the tool’s total capabilities in overall cattle
and pasture management and all the associated economic and grazier friendly benefits.
In grazier experiences, effectiveness of the tool rarely fails when properly used in a well
managed rotational stocking unit. In other cases, some of the tools have not been constructed to
do all things well. There may be some pasture situations where the tool seems to be inferior for its
intended purposes. The grazier that encounters less-than-desired effectiveness when using the tool
should closely examine its construction, management and the pasture area to try to determine means
to improve the effectiveness.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Early use of insecticides such as DDT, Lindane, Lyntox, and Toxophene were very effective.
Use of these insecticides is now prohibited due to environmental concerns and they are no longer
available in commercial trade. Left over supplies should not be used for this purpose.
Part of our interest has always been rotational stocking, the associated lower-cost grazing
livestock management techniques, and more overall grazier-friendly procedures. With that in mind,
we conceived the idea of developing an all-inclusive combination tool that would provide salt and
mineral for cattle nutrition as an attractant, a cattle rub for external parasite control for cattle, and
portability to easily facilitate use in rotational stocking units. The tool provides a very grazierfriendly means of accomplishing these objectives. The first successful but crude model was put to
use in 1989 (Figure 6). Later and better models are still in use in 2002. We have used some model of
the basic tool for about 13 years.
Accessories
There are several homemade or commercial items that could be considered accessories that
may be appealing or helpful to some graziers.
A homemade reservoir could be added to the top portion of the riser at the top of the
cattle rub. This container could be a sealed five-gallon bucket outfitted with a petcock at or near
the bottom. The container needs an air vent near the top to prevent a vacuum from forming. The
petcock would need a tube extending to near the top of the cattle rub. The tube is needed to apply
the insecticide solution very near to and directly on the rub without wind blowing it away from
the rub. The petcock needs to be one that can be set very fine to administer only a few drops as
needed to dampen the rub over a day or several days. Through trial and error the amount to apply
over an appropriate time can be determined. The petcock can be used to completely shut off flow
of insecticide as needed. The purpose of this reservoir is to add more convenience to the tool and to
possibly keep it wetted better to prevent parasite buildup such as in the case of lice.
We have only sparingly used dust bag techniques with the tool because the cattle rub
technique performed excellently for our purposes. The optional extended arm at the top of the tall
riser can be used for this purpose (Figures 7,10, 12, 37 and 38). A portable tool set up only for dust
bags is shown in Figures 38 (top) and 39 (top) and it can be altered to facilitate both dust bag and
cattle rub design (Figure 39, bottom).
Figure 6. The first model of the tool. It was crude, but well designed and effective.
High stock density rotational stocking aids in successful use of the tool for cattle nutrition
and external parasite control. In a well-run, relatively small paddock size rotational stocking unit,
cattle are controlled in a herd closer together than in more extensive circumstances. This can often
be away from other the attractants such as shade, ponds,etc. All of these things aid cattle in easily
locating and using the tool.
In 1973, the P.H. White Company invented and made available an early model of a major
present-day cattle rub that we use (P.H. White, 2001, personal communication). Numerous single
unit commercial salt and mineral feeders and a few models of single unit commercial cattle rub tools
are available. These can be located at farm and ranch stores, farm shows, and by searching cattle
trade magazines. We are not aware of any relatively low-cost commercial combination tool such as
the one discussed in this publication.
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
History
Although the cattle rub technique is not new, our somewhat recent adaptation of the rub into
a more complete livestock and forage management tool is new.
Our first experience with cattle rubs was with the various homemade types dating back to
the 1950s. These stationary units were generally made out of burlap bags, cotton duck, or other
absorbent cloths wrapped around a twist of barbed wire, cable, rope or chain to make about a 3- to
6-inch diameter rub (Figure 5). They were saturated with various farm and ranch oils, including used
motor oil with or without insecticides. The oil alone would act as a partial fly repellant. Sulfur was
sometimes added in an effort to enhance fly repellence. Various systemic insecticides also came into
use with the cattle rubs during this early period and soon thereafter.
Noble Foundation researchers used stationary forms of the cattle rub in beef cattle grazing
research and demonstration during the mid- to late 1950s (Figure 5).
Figure 38. A wheel and runner type tool outfitted for dust bag only (top) and both a cattle rub and dust
bag (bottom). There should be little or no need to use both the cattle rub and the dust bag.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 5. A permanently located homemade, burlap bag cloth cattle rub close to water, salt/mineral, and
the pasture gate. Such permanent amalgamation of attractants creates paddock soil and forage problems
and is not recommended.
Early days use of the cattle rub waned with the increasing availability and usage of dipping
vats, sprays, dusts, insecticide impregnated ear tags, and feeding of fly control insecticides. Many
graziers, including ourselves, became disinterested in using these methods due to repeated time and
labor demand, expense of equipment and insecticides, the nuisance of installing and removing fly
tags and environmental concerns.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Pasture Management
The tool aids in pasture management by attracting the herd to almost any area within a
paddock that the herd does not frequent as often as the manager desires. It attracts the cow and calf
unit to creep grazing accesses in paddock fences or portable creep feeder locations using grain-based
feeds (Figure 4). It can be used to help scatter cattle impact over a paddock by changing the tool
location from time to time during any given grazing cycle or between grazings. The relative success
of the tool appears to be somewhat related to paddock size, i.e., the smaller the paddock and the
higher the stock density, the easier cattle access the tool, and the more useful the tool may be for all
stated purposes. This is a very variable function.
The People Perspective
The tool has many advantages from a “people” perspective. It is a very grazier-friendly (low
stress) way to accomplish the specific livestock and related forage management jobs it does. It is
among the easiest methods to use for external parasite control and salt/mineral feeding. Everything
the tool can do is done without ever purposely gathering, herding, lotting, processing and stressing
cattle through a corral or head gate facility. In some cases, this eliminates several cattle gatherings
in a season or year.
Figure 4. The cow-calf herd gathered at the tool (left arrow) parked by a one-wire raised electric fence
creep grazing access. Note calves passing under the electric wire raised on the tall post (right arrow)
to better grass in the next paddock.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 39. A portable tool rigged for dust bags only (top) and a similar tool rigged with dust bags over
the feeder and a cattle rub (bottom). (Photos courtesy Norman Ward)
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Cattle Rub Tool
Accessorizing to use two cattle rubs with the feeder position in the middle may be helpful in
large herds of 150 head or more. This would double the cattle rub area to about 20 feet compared to
10 feet with only one cattle rub. The usual feeder space shown in the models pictured will more than
suffice for up to about 400 head of cattle.
The tall riser can be constructed to hinge and fold down onto and lay on the top of the saltmineral portion of the tool without a roof (Figures 36, 37 and 40). The early models of the tool we
made were constructed this way. The purpose of this was to allow the tool to be moved under one
wire electric fence during a cattle rotation to an adjacent paddock (Figure 40). This could be more
convenient than pulling the tool a relatively long distance around and through gates, lanes and other
travel ways in large grazing units or in hauling the tool long distances in a pickup or trailer to the
adjacent paddock. There may be little benefit to this accessory where the tool is used in a small
grazing unit where travel through gates and other travel ways is not an obstacle to grazier-friendly
management.
Figure 2. Stocker cattle congregating out in a paddock near the tool and away from the water
source and trees.
Figure 40. The tool with the tall riser laid down making it ready to pull under a one wire electric fence.
The cattle rub can be outfitted with accessory strips of fabric, commercially called “face
flips,” that possibly wipe more insecticide solution onto the cattle as they use the tool (Figures 41,
42, 47 and 48). We have not found that to be necessary for good fly control, but other graziers may
deem the strips beneficial. The commercial face flips may be used or the grazier may make these by
using absorbent heavy weight cotton duck or wool fabric.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 3. Beef cows trailing the tool as they are being rotated in a lane way to a distant
paddock, the next to be grazed.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 1. A stocker calf using the cattle rub independent of the salt/mineral supply of the tool.
Controlling Parasites
The cattle rub tool, impregnated with an appropriate diluted insecticide, helps prevent face,
heel and horn flies. The cattle rub controls flies and it limits grub population buildup by preventing
flies that cause grubs. It controls some grubs after an infestation if the correct insecticide is used. It
prevents some ticks and helps control fly transmitted diseases by controlling flies.
Cattle get insecticide on themselves by rubbing on the cattle rub. They then touch or rub on
each other and spread the insecticide even more. Some cattle may not get a good dose of insecticide,
but still have a low fly population because of association with other animals in the herd that have
used the rub.
The tool provides some control, though little, of horse, deer and other biting flies. However,
there is a commercial flytrap for biting flies. It is the ETTS Biting Fly Trap from Farnam (Anon.
2001b). Its use may result in control of biting flies in small or limited areas.
Grazing Cattle Management
The tool aids in management and manipulation of grazing cattle by serving as an attractant.
With the tool properly placed, cattle will stay on the pasture or in the paddock as opposed to
frequenting water points, shade, corrals, lanes and other areas important to the manager. It also
periodically groups the herd within a paddock, thus aiding herd monitoring (Figure 2). Cattle
quickly learn that when the tool is being moved, they get to go to a new paddock or other area. They
trail the tool as if it were a lead animal (Figure 3) aiding the grazier with herd rotations.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 41. A steel and wood constructed tool with feeder roof and “face flips” on the cattle rub (top)
and another tool with “bullets” (bottom). (Top photo courtesy Norman Ward; bottom photo courtesy
Jim Singleton)
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Cattle Rub Tool
Commercial “bullets” may also be used in much the same way as the face flips (Figure 41) if
the grazier thinks they are a benefit.
Another accessory use might be the forced use of the cattle rub, face flips, or bullets (Figure
42). As cattle use this tool to access salt, mineral, or bait feed in the feeder inside the enclosure,
they are forced to touch the cattle rub and face flips and therefore contact the insecticide for parasite
control. This type of setup, however, does not wipe the lower sides and legs of cows, nor small
calves. There are many ways to incorporate this type of function on various models if it is deemed
necessary.
Introduction
The homemade, portable, salt/mineral feeder and external parasite control cattle rub tool
(hereafter called “the tool”) appears to be a simple piece of machinery. It is, but the specific physical
form and multiple uses of the tool make it complex. The tool was initially developed and used as an
alternative to more expensive and problematic means of fly and lice control on beef cattle. It quickly
became a multi-use grazing cattle management and pasture management tool in rotational stocking.
Little has been written about the use of the cattle rub portion for parasite control, and only
a small amount has been written on some model of the tool (Dalrymple, 1999a, 1999b; Gentry,
2001). Graziers, in general, adapt only the cattle rub technique without much study. Most use it in
a stationary or permanent manner. That is not the emphasis in this publication. The portability of
the complete tool is an integral part of it because of the interest in rotational stocking. Rotational
stocking goes along with the tool and vice versa.
The objective of this publication is to report on details of homemade construction and
management of these portable tools.
Summary
The tool has several integrated functions. In summary, it:
•
•
•
•
•
Figure 42. Another type model with enclosed feeder, cattle rub, and face flips forcing cattle to contact
the rub and flips as they use the feeder inside. (Photo courtesy Norman Yordi) .
An item that could be considered an accessory is a two-part tool model we experimented
with. The hypothesis was to construct this tool so the salt/mineral feeder portion and the cattle
rub could be uncoupled and used separately. The idea was to park the tool coupled together until
cattle learned to use the cattle rub (Figure 43, top), then uncouple it and park the separated parts in
different paddock locations to enhance cattle dispersal (Figure 43, bottom). It was obvious that even
through the cattle used the cattle rub when it was in a separate location, they did not use it nearly as
well as when the tool was coupled and in close juxtaposition. After that observation, this unit was
used primarily as a combined single tool unit. However, this idea may be useful to other graziers.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Is a feeder for salt, mineral, and ionophore feeds;
Prevents or limits populations of flies, grubs, lice and ticks, and by doing so, helps restrict
some diseases transmitted by these parasites;
Facilitates direct grazing cattle management;
Facilitates manipulation of cattle on paddocks and so aids in pasture management;
Provides livestock managers an easier, low cost, more grazier-friendly choice in the overall
scheme of management for all of the above.
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder
The feeder portion of the tool provides feeding edge space and storage volume for salt,
mineral, and ionophore supplements. This also serves as an attractant or bait to cause cattle to
frequent the tool location. Once there, the cattle learn to use the cattle rub. Once they have learned
how to use the tool, they frequently use the rub without feeding (Figure 1). They apparently do so to
seek relief from the discomfort of the parasites. The feeder portion is not intended to be a feeder for
larger volumes of supplemental feeds.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 43. An experimental two-part model coupled together (top) or uncoupled and the two parts
located in separate areas of the paddock (bottom).
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Cattle Rub Tool
Other Successful Models
Preface
A few private grazier models are shown, but there are more that are worthy of portrayal.
Grazier models previously mentioned are shown in Figures 9 (top), 39, 41 and 42. The model in
Figure 9 (top) is a tool made to fit a five foot cattle rub for smaller herds. It is a medium wide track,
well-built model for stocker cattle properly designed for multiple uses. The model in Figure 42 is
excellent and performs very well to control face and upper body flies.
Figures 41(top) and 44 show models made of wood and steel. A possible weakness of the
model in Figure 41 (bottom) is that is will not wipe insecticide on calves or the middle to lower
parts of large cattle. The models in Figures 41 (top) and 44 are excellent tools with all the important
characteristics.
Rotational stocking and the management of grazing livestock can range from very basic — even
incorrect and deficient — to very precise and totally correct. The desire to be correct in overall
management, including the interfacing of management of forage-livestock-human resources and
finance management lead to the development and multiple uses of the tool written about herein.
Some readers may think this extensive writing on such a simple-looking device is overdone. Bear
in mind, however, that the tool is actually very dynamic and its total success in all the interfacing
mentioned above depends on the proper construction and management of all aspects of the tool.
Total success with the tool depends on using it properly and on other possible intuitive and inventive
uses of the tool by the individual grazier.
This publication is primarily for the “do-it-yourself” grazier. Photographs are used to depict
the tool and its uses, to make it easier to grasp and to provide examples for construction. Some
important points are repeated to be sure they are read and understood.
Acknowledgements
Credit is given to the different Noble Foundation administrations over time for allowing the
author and co-workers to develop the tool models, experience their numerous uses and publish
this bulletin. The ultimate purpose was to help the practicing grazier, whether private operators,
demonstrators or researchers. The initial work was done on the Controlled Rotational Grazing Unit,
but some form of the tool was ultimately used on all Foundation farms and many private operations.
Special recognition is due co-workers who were an integral part of the early work with the tool.
They include Doug Grounds, Wayne Dobbs, Bret Flatt, Robert Carpenter, Russ Gentry, Devlon
Ford, Jerry Rogers and Shan Ingram. Special acknowledgment is given to Lawrence McTague,
DVM, and Gary Woulfe, DVM, for their advice on animal health aspects of the tool.
Figure 44. An excellent, wide track, tool for small to large cattle made of steel and wood.
courtesy Larry Gibson)
(Photo
Some Noble Foundation models have runners made in a star formation to prevent
overzealous cattle from tipping the tool over Figure 9 (bottom). This tool is discussed in more detail
by Gentry (2001). This illustration shows the technique of using insecticide ear tags on the cattle
rub part of the tool. This technique works fair to good for upper body fly control, but the wetted
cattle rubs work better. Fly tags used this way may be less costly than wetted cattle rubs and are less
messy. When fly tags are used in summer, other means of lice, tick, and grub control are needed.
The star runners allow the tool to be dragged easily from location to location in a paddock or unit on
relatively smooth ground. In bunch grass pastures there may be some difficulty when the bunches are
large and dense.
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Cattle Rub Tool
The author thanks Foundation reviewers Russell Stevens and Evan Whitley for their valuable
critique and also thanks the personnel of the Foundation’s Communications Department for
assistance in making the publication real. A special thank-you goes to Broderick Stearns for
photographic work, to Paul Horton for the diagram and layout design, to Tabby Campbell for word
processing and to Caroline Lara for editing.
To those of us whose life’s work is trying to help those in production agriculture, it is
incredibly gratifying to have producers take our information, adapt it and use it to good
benefit on their own space. Numerous graziers in the eastern half of the United States have made
their own tool based on our information and used them in their own grazing units. That is a reward
to our efforts, and we say “thanks.”
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Cattle Rub Tool
The grazier model in Figure 45 is an excellent model with all the needed parameters on this
Central Texas ranch. The model shown in Figure 46 on the East Texas ranch is a good one with the
feeder roof for cover on the salt/mineral feeder. The cattle rub as set up will wipe the head, neck,
back and upper sides of replacement and grown cattle. The cattle rub could be lowered on the far end
from the feeder to be accessible to small cattle, and legs and lower sides of larger cattle.
Figure 45. This light weight model is partially made of three forth inch diameter rod.
courtesy Bonnie Merz)
(Photo
Figure 47 illustrates a model with a tarp covering the feeder for water protection and shade
and bait for the cattle. The tool is used on fescue and other forages of Northwest Missouri. Cattle
seek the shade and in so doing contact the cattle rub with the face flips. Control of flies on the
head, neck and upper body is good. The use of the salt/mineral feeder in immediate juxtaposition
to this tool is not employed, but shade is the bait in this case. The same grazier made a combined
commercial and homemade tool that performs very well (Figure 48).
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Cattle Rub Tool
Table Of Contents
Figure 46. A good tool for a more humid region. The cattle rub can be lowered on one end for small
cattle, and the legs and lower body of large cattle. (Photo courtesy Ted Slanker)
Preface..................................................................................................................iii
Acknowledgement...............................................................................................iii
Introduction........................................................................................................... 1
Summary............................................................................................................... 1
History.................................................................................................................. 5
Research................................................................................................................ 7
General Characteristics......................................................................................... 8
Some Cattle Benefits............................................................................................. 8
Economics........................................................................................................... 10
Limitations.......................................................................................................... 13
The Feeder and Cattle Rub Management............................................................ 14
Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Feeder........................................................... 14
Cattle Rub................................................................................................... 17
Fly Prevention and Control......................................................................... 17
Lice Prevention........................................................................................... 19
Grub Prevention.......................................................................................... 20
Tick Prevention........................................................................................... 20
Within All Functions................................................................................... 20
Pasture Management Uses.......................................................................... 21 Insecticides for Cattle Rubs and Dust Bags........................................................ 25
Materials and Construction Parameters.............................................................. 26
Schematic Diagram............................................................................................. 38
Accessories ........................................................................................................ 39
Other Successful Models.................................................................................... 46
Forced Use of the Cattle Rub.............................................................................. 49
Commercial Equipment...................................................................................... 50
One Final Comment............................................................................................ 51
Literature Cited................................................................................................... 52
Figure 47. Fly control is good on this Northwest Missouri ranch with this tool that only has the
cattle rub portion with face flips covered with a tarp for weather protection and cattle shade (bait).
(Photo courtesy Tom Graft)
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Cattle Rub Tool
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 48. A commercial cattle feeder attached to a homemade cattle rub with face flips.
courtesy Tom Craft)
(Photo
A neat tool that combines several commercial external parasite tools on a homemade portable
frame is shown in Figure 41 (bottom). This model also incorporates the use of the cattle rub “bullets”
on the left.
Forced Use of the Cattle Rub
A major function of the tool is its portability. However, a few graziers might wish to cause
the forced use of the tool by positioning it where cattle must encounter it. This would cause them to
come into more definite contact with the salt and mineral supply for familiarity and consumption.
That may be important for mineral-deficient cattle, but a more likely function would be to cause
them to pass through the cattle rub portion for training to use the tool and possibly enhance early
external parasite control. Such forced use and positioning should be temporary.
The usual means of forcing exposure to the tool is done by placing it in lanes or gateways
where cattle must pass to get to a water point or some other definite need of the day (Figure 49).
Lanes and gateways can be permanent locations or temporary just for the forced use. Forced use is
usually associated with a permanent location of a cattle rub, but we do not advocate that in rotational
stocking units.
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Cattle Rub Tool
An Integrated, Homemade, Portable Salt/
Mineral Feeder and External Parasite Control
Cattle Rub Tool
• Salt, Mineral, and Ionophore Nutrition
• Fly, Lice, Grub, and Tick Control
• Rotational Grazing Forage Management
• Grazing Livestock Management
Figure 49. An example of the tool positioned in a lane to force cattle to learn to use the tool.
Commercial Equipment
When we developed the first models of these all-inclusive tools for our own use, we were not
able to locate any commercial models that include all the parameters of use that we needed. Many
aspects were always missing and none were as portable as we needed the tool to be in rotational
stocking units. In recent times, there has been a commercial tool developed that has most of the
integrated parts of our homemade tool, but that tool is not readily portable and would have to be
outfitted with runners or wheels to work well in rotational stocking units. That unit also costs about
five- to ten-fold the materials cost of our good medium- to highest-cost models. Commercial salt
and mineral feeders and cattle rub tools can be located in trade magazines and from private brand
livestock equipment dealers.
R.L. Dalrymple, Forage Management Agronomist (Retired)
Agricultural Division
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401
Some graziers have expressed a desire to combine available commercial salt-mineral feeders
and a commercial cattle rub tool into one tool. This would include installation of runners or wheels
for portability. That is a viable idea that would shorten the construction time. The models in Figures
41(bottom) and 48 show ways this has been done. A schematic drawing of such a possible combined
tool illustrates another model of the idea (Figure 50). The maker of such a combined tool should be
sure that it can do all the jobs needed. Costs for materials would likely be more than for a homemade
tool.
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Cattle Rub Tool
NF-FO-02-03
© 2002 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Inc.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Figure 50. A schematic of a commercial salt/mineral feeder (left) and a cattle rub (right).
One Final Comment
Within all the homemade models of the tool and commercial combinations to create the
tool, lies a great variation of many good tools, all properly designed to perform the functions
discussed. The overall system of the tool is very variable and dynamic. It behooves the grazier to
learn, be intuitive, and be innovative to capture the accumulated benefits of the tool for their grazing
operation.
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Cattle Rub Tool
Literature Cited
Anon. 1991. Flytrap plans. Univ. of Mo. Agri. Engr. Dept. Columbia, MO. Plan: 1-904-C6. Three
sheets.
Anon. 2000. Progressive Farmer brand awareness study conducted for P.H. White. Available from
P.H. White Co. P.O. Box 155. Dyersburg, TN 38095-0155.
Anon. 2001a. Ditch the flies. Progressive Farmer. March issue. p. 65.
Anon. 2001b. Farnam Equipment Company. 301 West Osborn. Phoenix, AZ 85013. Catalog. Ph: 1-800-267-9211. Web: www.farnamequipment.com.
Cocke, J. Jr., R. Knutson, and D. K. Lunt. 1989. Effects of horn fly control with lambd cyhalothrin
ear tags on weight gains in weaning calves in Texas. Southwest Entomologist. Vol. 14. No. 4. p. 357362.
Dalrymple, R.L. 1999a. Homemade mineral feeder/cattle rub. Agri. News and Views. Noble
Foundation. Ardmore, OK 73401 Vol. 17. No. 5. June issue. P. 3.
Dalrymple, R.L. 1999b. Homemade portable salt/mineral feeder and external parasite/cattle rub. The
Forage Leader. Am. Forage and Grassld. Counc. Vol. 4. No. 2. p. 7.
DeRouen, S. M., L. D. Foil, J. W. Knox, and J. M. Turpin. 1995. Horn fly control and weight gains
of yearling beef cattle. Jour. of Econ. Ento. Vol. 88. No. 6. p. 666-668.
Foil, L. D., S. M. DeRouen, and D. G. Morrison. 1996. Economic benefits of horn fly control for
beef production. La. Agri. Vol. 39. No. 2. p. 12-13.
Gentry, R. 2001. From the farm. Agri. News and Views. Noble Foundation. Ardmore, OK 73401.
Vol. 19. No. 6. p. 1-2.
McTague, L. 2000. Ardmore, OK. Personal communication.
Roberts, J. E. and M. Saluta. 1982. Entomology test demonstrations. Vir. Polytechnic Inst. And State
Univ. Test Demonstration Rept. No. 20. Pp. 17-21.
White, P. H. 2001. P. O. Box 155. Dyersburg, TN. Personal communication.
A superb model of the tool with wide skids and a roof over the feeder.
Woulfe, G. 2000. Ardmore, OK. Personal communication.
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Cover Photograph:
Cattle Rub Tool