There is more to a cow pat than meets the eye. Over 300 insect species can be found in cow dung on Canadian pastures; mating, eating dung, laying eggs, eating each other – all while providing valuable ecosystem services.
Credit Dr Cameron Goater U Lethbridge
Dr. Kevin Floate, an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientist at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, has developed the first comprehensive guide to discover and understand the dung-dwelling insects that provide big bug benefits. Cow Patty Critters: A new guide on Canada’s faecal friends highlights the valuable pasture ecosystem services and insights into animal health that this often unsung community provides and a foundation for future studies.
To learn more about Dr. Floate’s free, accessible and comprehensive guide about dung insects in Canada, read: Cow Patty Critters: A new guide on Canada’s faecal friends – agriculture.canada.ca
