When faced with the on-going threat of predation to your herd some proactive steps can be implemented. It should be noted that even with the best prevention strategies in place, predation can and/or will still occur. When considering prevention practices, it is important to consider the level of predation (for example, the dollar value of loss), time of year, location, past history, cost of each predation prevention strategy, and the amount of protection offered.
There are different options for predation prevention strategies with some being more effective than others. Options include, but are not limited to, fencing, livestock guardian animals, hunting, trapping, night time enclosures and deterrents (lights, radio, bells, etc.). It should be noted that night time enclosures are not feasible for large herds and grazing herds rotated over a large land base or on rented land.
Other management techniques to minimize predation include appropriate deadstock disposal in accordance with the regulations, kidding in protected or enclosed areas, avoiding the placement of small kids on pasture (this is not possible for large pasture herds). Below is a brief summary of some predation tools.
Fencing
Several options exist when looking to build a new fence or adding to the current fence for predator control measures. Some options discussed in this article include electric fence, modified net-wire fence and electric net fence.
Electric fences can be effective for predator control; however some coyotes may have learned how to get through the fence in areas where electric fencing is extensively used. Perimeter fences must be at least 5 strands of electric with alternative live and ground wires. Anything less is not effective in deterring coyote predation, especially if predation has already occurred on the farm. An electric fence that was found to be very effective by Alberta farmers is the nine-wire, anti-coyote electric fence (O’Brien & Alberta Lamb Producers, 2014). The nine-wire fence should be constructed using 12.5 gauge high-tensile, smooth wire. Wires should alternate between charged and grounded. (Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, 2005)
Another effective fence is a modified net-wire fence. Galvanized 12.5 gauge high-tensile mesh wire should be utilized with spacings in the mesh no larger than 15 cm by 15cm. Add electric strands to the top of the fence to make the overall height 1.70 meters. When constructing the fence, it is essential that the fence is tight to the ground to prevent ‘squeeze under’ spots (see Figure 1). If coyotes are digging under the fence, consider adding a 12.5 gauge high-tensile hot wire outside of the fence 10 to 15 cm above ground and 10 to 20 cm out from the fence (Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, 2005). When using a net-wire fence with goats, it is a good idea to add an off-set electric fence wire on the inside of the page wire (electric wire is off-set 6 inches from the net-wire fence) to prevent the goats from climbing or trying to push under. By doing this, the lifespan of the fence will be longer.
Electric net fencing may be an alternative option for some situations such as grazing on rented land, grazing on hay-aftermath or cover crops. This fence is available in different heights and can be effective at reducing predation since the goats and the fence are continuously moving to different locations and fields. The frequent changes offer some degree of protection as it may delay habituation to the fence. However in some reports, coyotes have learned to jump the electric net fences as no digging under was found and good voltage levels were maintained. (O’Brien & Alberta Lamb Producers, 2014) When using electric net fencing, care must be taken to properly train the goats to this fence as goats with horns may try to put their head through but will not be able to get back out of the fence.
For more information and construction details on fencing for predator control please refer to:
–OMAFRA factsheet, Fencing Options for Predator Control,
–Alberta Agriculture’s Agri-Facts Protecting Livestock from Predation with Electric Fences
–Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes Manual
Livestock Guardian Animals
Livestock guardian animals include guardian dogs, llamas and donkeys. Often, farmers will use at least one type of livestock guardian animal, and some will use two types. Before choosing a livestock guardian animal it is important to note the advantages and disadvantages to each and select a protection method that is best suited to your farm. Cost and annual expenses of a livestock guardian animal also need to be taken into account. Initial investment costs, annual feed, de-worming, vaccinations and hoof trimming (if applicable) are all items which have to be considered. Livestock guardian animals will not solve all predation problems, but will help to reduce predation losses. Guardian animals combined with good fences and management strategies will help in the constant struggle against predation.
Livestock guardian dogs are the most popular choice for predator protection. The major benefit to having livestock guardian dogs is that you can have multiple dogs to monitor the herd, which can assist with keeping losses in check. A good livestock guardian dog will stay with the flock, be aggressive towards predators and not harm the livestock. Common breeds include Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Maremma, Kuvasz, Anatolian Shepherd and various crosses of the listed breeds.
Donkeys and llamas can be effective as a predator control means and can either be utilized in conjunction with livestock guardian dogs or as a stand-alone if dogs are not an option for a particular operation. If you are considering purchasing a llama or a donkey, a female or gelding should be used, never an intact male. Both donkeys and llamas need to be able to see the herd in order to protect so keeping goats in smaller paddocks free of brush is ideal.
When using a donkey, only one should be with the goats as two donkeys will tend to bond with each other and will not protect the herd. A medium or large donkey should be used, not a miniature donkey. A good resource when looking at using a donkey with goats would be the OMAFRA factsheet entitled, ‘Guidelines for Using Donkeys as Guard Animals with Sheep’. Although this is a sheep factsheet, the same principles will apply when thinking about purchasing a donkey for goats.
Hunting & Trapping
If you are experiencing a predation problem, often times there will be a ‘problem predator’. Hunting may be a good option to try and take out the ‘problem predator’. Hunting on your farm may be an option although it is often time consuming and can be frustrating as the coyote may not come back to the farm for days or may be smart and know when you are in the field. Another option would be to hire a hunter or trapper, this option obviously adds an extra cost but may be worthwhile if you do not have time and have a ‘problem predator’ killing your goats.
One tool that was approved as of January 1st, 2016, is the relaxing cable restraint. The relaxing cable restraint is to be used by trained trappers and producers on their own property to address problem coyotes and wolves. Certain seasonal and geographic restrictions apply to the use of this tool. There are also technical specifications guiding the design of this restraint to help avoid capture of non-target animals.
For areas where relaxing cable restraints can be used in Ontario, regulations, components of a relaxing cable restraint and best management practices please refer to the “Best Management Practices for Use of Relaxing Cable Restraints in Ontario”.
For full details on the amendment to Ontario Regulation 667/98 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 around the use of relaxing cable restraints please visit the Ontario Environmental Registry and search ER# 012-4735.
Non-Lethal Deterrents
Non-lethal deterrents can include a variety of items or tools. It is important to note that commercial deterrents are often cost prohibitive for use over a large land base. Some commercially available devices include Foxlights, a light with various programed light patterns and colours which mimic a flashlight in the field; Nite Guard Solar®, a blinking light which is thought to mimic ‘coyote eyes’ in the field; and motion-activated ultrasound deterrents, although this device should not be used in conjunction with livestock guardian dogs. In the Livestock Predation Study 2011-2013 by Nixon the ultrasound deterrent was found to not be very effective. Another tool is fladry; flags, caution tape or aluminum pie plates tied or hung on the perimeter fence, this tool was also found to not be very effective in the Livestock Predation Study 2011-2013. If using electric fence, fladry can often ground out the fence causing the fence to have little voltage. Radios, lights and objects which are moved around the field such as scarecrows and vehicles or combinations of the above can also be utilized.
Coyotes and other predators can quickly adapt to devices and overcome their initial fear of the novel object. Changing and moving deterrents frequently will assist in not allowing coyotes to become acclimatized to a set pattern. (Acorn, 1998) In general, it has been found that non-lethal deterrents can be effective for up to 60 days; however some tools are only effective for considerably shorter durations (O’Brien & Alberta Lamb Producers, 2014). Some tools may only work for a day or even an hour. This may buy you some time to assess the situation and try to reduce the threat of reoccurrence in the short term. Deterrents can also be utilized to offer focused protection during vulnerable periods, for example when does are kidding on pasture.
In the Event of a Kill
In the event of a confirmed predator kill, producers are eligible for compensation under the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Complete guidelines for the Program can be found at the OMAFRA Predation information site.
If you do not have access to the internet, please call the Agriculture Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 for more details.
More Information
For more information on predation tools and preventing losses please refer to the OMAFRA predation page.
References:
Acorn, R.C., and Dorrance, M.J. Coyote Predation of Livestock. Edmonton: Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, 1998.
Bourne, J. and Merrill, P. “Protecting Livestock from Predation with Electric Fences.” Factsheet Agdex 684-7, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, 2005. http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex888/$file/684-7.pdf
O’Brien, A. and Alberta Lamb Producers. Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes. Alberta Lamb Producers, 2014. http://www.ablamb.ca/images/documents/management-modules/Predation-Management.pdf
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Best Management Practices for Use of Relaxing Cable Restraints in Ontario.” 2016. https://www.ontariosheep.org/uploads/userfiles/files/BMP%20for%20Use%20of%20Relaxing%20Cable%20Restraints%20in%20Ontario%20-%20English.pdf
