due to horn flies. 
Stable flies are distributed over most of the United States, 
but the severity of attack is greatest in the South and Midwest. 
These flies torment animals from 2 to 6 months of the year and 
cause them to fight the insects with consequent loss in produc- 
tion. No experimental data on losses are available, but they 
are estimated to be about $20 million annually. 
Horse flies and deer flies are vicious pests in the South, 
Midwest, and some places in the West. There are many species 
and they differ in biting habits, some attacking the head, some 
the back, and others the abdomen and legs. They: are large in- 
sects and draw much blood, causing irritation and fighting. 
Even the buzzing of these flies around animals causes uneasiness 
and a tendency to improper grazing. Contrcol measures are un- 
satisfactory. Losses are estimated at $75 million annually. 
Marketi and Processing Losses 
(Table 27) 
During the marketing and processing of the products of live- 
stock and poultry, losses are incurred from accidents, lack of 
care, deterioration, and spoilage. 
No data are available on the losses from such causes during 
the distribution of beef, pork, mutton, lamb, and fur products. 
Market Egg Defects 
Defects such as meat and blood spots occur in eggs wherever 
they are produced. Faulty nutrition is suspected as being a 
factor, as well as genetics, management, and physiological dis- 
turbances. As much as 0.7 percent of the eggs produced may 
show these spots. 
Other losses arise from breakage, and from downgrading due to 
shell abnormalities, dirt, and spoilage. 
Liquid eggs are subject to a further loss from imcomplete re- 
covery of the contents, since an average of 11 percent of the 
yolk and albumen remain with the discarded shells. 
Accidents, Bruising, and Downgrading of Poultry 
Marketed poultry are subject to downgrading from cuts and 
bruising, poor conformation, discoloration, pinfeathers, and 
poor condition due to lack of skill in handling. A study made 
by the Department in 1953 indicates that losses from such causes 
amount to about 11.5 percent of the value of the birds. 
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