Which compound was used historically to treat insect infestations of cattle?

Arsenic has a historical context in agricultural practices, particularly in treating insect infestations in cattle. Its use can be traced back to its properties as an insecticide and its effectiveness against various pests. Farmers and agricultural professionals utilized arsenic compounds due to their toxicity to insects while being less harmful to larger animals like cattle, when applied judiciously.

In contrast, while DDT is well-known for its effectiveness against insect pests, including agricultural applications, it was primarily utilized after World War II for public health and agricultural pest control, not as a traditional treatment specifically for cattle over the long term. Hexavalent chromium and lead compounds are not recognized for treating insect infestations; in fact, they are more associated with environmental pollution and health hazards than with agricultural pest control. Thus, the historical context and application of arsenic highlight its role in managing insect infestations in livestock.