Relationships between Husbandry Methods and Sheep Losses to Canine Predators

摘要: In this study we evaluated the efficacy of several husbandry methods in reducing sheep losses to coyotes (Canis latrans) and dogs. Findings are considered applicable most operations managed under farm-flock conditions. We monitored 109 producers monthly a 9-county area south central Kansas assess effects. Cooperators reported deaths 1,362 stock 2,230 lambs during 15-month study, 229 (17%) 278 (12%) which, respectively, were killed by canine predators. Total annual 6.7 7.9%, respectively; loss predators was <1%. More than 80% predator-caused flocks 22% producers. Sheep slightly higher where coyote-abundance indices high. Husbandry techniques that have potential significantly reduce include night confinement, lighting corrals, fall lambing, proper disposal carcasses, killing individual cause losses. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 45(4):894-911 Coyote predation on has been major problem stockmen western United States since mid-1800's. Through 1960's, efforts made coyote numbers trapping, poisoning, shooting, den hunting (Wagner 1972). Attitudes public toward predator control changed 1960's. Toxicants for banned Federal lands (Nixon 1972), later completely when U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cancelled registrations all predacides. Sodium cyanide reregistered use M-44 device controlled Recent studies focused nonlethal control, including tasteaversion conditioning olfactory repellents. Several authors suggested might coyotes: fencing (Shelton 1973, Thompson 1976), lights (Gier 1968), bells (Hawbecker 1939), dogs (Howard 1974), confinement at 1968) lambing (Early et al. 1974a,b), carcasses (Boggess 1975). Few conducted determine relative these methods. This sheep-husbandry Kansas. acknowledge assistance cooperating who possible. The financed Agricultural Experiment Station National Audubon Society.