Dr Stephanie Sammes – Feedworks Ruminant Technical Services
Garlic is naturally rich in the compound Alliin which is converted into Allicin. It is largely the Allicin that is believed to have the deterrence effects on biting insects by being released through the skin and acting as a “repellent”.
Historically, sulphur has been commonly used to help manage ectoparasites. Sulphur also contains Allicin. The additional benefits garlic can have over sulphur include:
- High levels of sulphur may cause toxic effects on rumen microflora, particularly fibre-digesting microbes. This may reduce DMI. Garlic doesn’t have these concerns.
- Unlike garlic, high sulphur may cause mineral antagonism in the diet, due to sulphur competing for similar uptake sites as other minerals.
- Garlic can also be used as a flavourent in a range of feeds due to its palatable smell and taste.
Reductions in numbers of biting flies such as buffalo fly, as well as ticks, has been consistently observed across Australian beef, sheep and dairy systems from feeding Feedbuds Garlic.
Graziers have been using Feedbuds Garlic as part of their fly strike management plan in sheep. No milk taint issues have been noted from feeding Feedbuds Garlic to dairy cows. Graziers in northern Australia have been feeding Feedbuds Garlic year-round with success.
Research has shown that feeding garlic can help reduce fly cover and defensive behaviours in stock (Durunna & Lardner, 2021). Deterrence of ticks on stock has also been reported (Massariol et al. 2009).
Recommended dosages
Feedbuds Garlic Liquid – Cattle: 0.9-1.5g/hd/day, Sheep: 0.09-0.15g/hd/day.
Feedbuds Garlic Powder – Cattle: 1.4-2.4g/hd/day, Sheep: 0.14-0.24g/hd/day.
