Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in Predation

Raven Predation Producer Survey: Input Appreciated

Raven Predation Producer Survey: Input Appreciated

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Predation

Allison Brown, Small Ruminant Livestock Assistant Currently a two-part Raven Predation Project is underway. This small study is being conducted by Jillian Craig, Small Ruminant Specialist and Allison Brown, Small Ruminant Livestock Assistant with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Part one involves coordinating a province-wide survey to collect information on the magnitude of raven predation on sheep and beef farms. We are looking to collect benchmark data, increase awareness and improve mitigation strategies through feedback from sheep and beef farmers. Part two includes trialing non-lethal raven deterrents on a few Ontario sheep farms to collect data on the effectiveness of the deterrent. Aggregate survey results will be published in industry magazines though OSF and BFO in…

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Correctly Grounding an Electric Fence

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, PredationLeave a Reply

Key points: Improper grounding is the most common reason for electric fence malfunctions Install 90 cm (3’) of ground rod for every joule of output from the energizer Ground rods should be more than 3 m (10’) from each other Ground rods should be more than 23 m (75’) from other grounds, waterlines, or utilities. Ontario One Call can help you locate publicly-owned infrastructure: 1-800-400-2255 or on1call.com. A private locator can be hired to find other buried infrastructure. Improper grounding is the most common mistake that causes an electric fence to malfunction. Understanding electricity and all the jargon that goes with it can be a challenge. Luckily, thinking about water is often a great way to imagine electricity, so I’m…

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Selecting an Energizer for Your Electric Fence

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, Predation1 Reply

Key points: The most economical power source (hydro, batteries, or solar) depends on ease of access to fencer Output voltage needs to be high enough to get the attention of the livestock being contained Output joules rating must be capable of delivering the voltage along the length of wire in the fence When in doubt, buy bigger than you need The energizer (also called a fencer) is the cornerstone of any electric fence. Selecting the right one for your farm is crucial to making an electric fence work for you. Understanding electricity and all the jargon that goes with it can be a challenge. Luckily, thinking about water is often a great way to imagine electricity, so I’m going to draw…

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Predation Tools

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in PredationLeave a Reply

When faced with the on-going threat of predation to your flock 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. Results of an Ontario survey conducted in 2011 to determine current use of predation prevention tools found that the majority of respondents (153/169) indicated they were currently using predation prevention tools. Some respondents who indicated that they were not using prevention tools did however state the…

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Predation: Fencing and Resources

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in PredationLeave a Reply

Fencing is one preventative measure available in trying to reduce predation to flocks. There are a few different fencing options available whether building a new fence or adding to an existing fence. A good fence can be utilized in conjunction with other predator prevention strategies (such as livestock guard animals, deterrents, etc).  It is important to note that no fence will completely eliminate predation from occurring. The OMAFRA Factsheet entitled: Fencing Options for Predator Control includes information on electric fences, net-wire fences, electric net fencing as well as a comparison of cost and life expectancy for the three types of fences. Some other resources include: Sheep Management Practices Can Influence Predation  General OMAFRA Predation Page Overview: Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program  Program…

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Predation Management with a Focus on Coyotes

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Forage, PredationLeave a Reply

Make sure you minimize your losses to predators this year.  Alberta Lamb Producers has a good publication covering the basics of predation management planning, the biology and behavior of predators and defense against predators. Click on the picture below to access the publication.