Abstract

Background and Aim: Ectoparasites are a major constraint to cattle productivity, welfare, and health under pasture conditions. Conventional chemical control methods are increasingly limited by the development of resistance, environmental contamination, and residue accumulation in animal products. Plant-derived insecticidal formulations combined with precision livestock technologies represent a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the field effectiveness and safety of a Nepeta cataria L.–based biopreparation delivered through an automated spraying system for sustainable control of cattle ectoparasites. 

Materials and Methods: A total of 145 clinically healthy cattle maintained under uniform pasture conditions were included in a prospective field trial. The biopreparation contained N. cataria essential oil (0.20%) incorporated into a plant-based formulation and applied as a 5% aqueous solution using an automated radio-frequency identification-integrated spraying system. Animals received a cumulative dose of 500 ± 100 mL through repeated voluntary passages over 2–3 days. Laboratory bioassays evaluated concentration-dependent insecticidal activity against Musca spp., Tabanidae, and Dermacentor spp. Field efficacy was assessed using the abundance and occurrence indices on days 7, 14, and 21 post-treatment. Physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters were monitored to assess safety. 

Results: Laboratory assays demonstrated significant concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, with mortality reaching approximately 86.0%–87.7% across the tested ectoparasites at higher concentrations, comparable to that of a synthetic reference insecticide. Under field conditions, complete suppression of detectable ectoparasite infestation was observed at days 7 and 14 following completion of the cumulative dose. Partial re-infestation occurred by day 21, with efficacy ranging from 66.7% to 88.6% depending on parasite species. Seasonal dynamics indicated high baseline infestation levels, particularly for Musca spp. and Simulium spp. All physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges, confirming treatment safety despite minor statistically significant variations in selected indicators. 

Conclusion: Automated cumulative application of an N. cataria–based biopreparation provides effective short-term control of cattle ectoparasites under pasture conditions without adverse health effects. The integration of plant-derived insecticidal formulations with automated delivery systems represents a technologically feasible and environmentally sustainable strategy for ectoparasite management in grazing livestock. Further controlled studies are required to optimize dosing strategies and evaluate long-term efficacy and ecological impact. 

Keywords: automated spraying system, cattle, ectoparasites, digital livestock management, hematological safety, insecticidal biopreparation, Nepeta cataria, plant-based insecticide, sustainable parasite control.