Relationships between Husbandry Methods and Sheep Losses to Canine Predators

Abstract

The efficacy of several husbandry methods in reducing sheep losses to coyotes (Canis latrans) and dogs was evaluated. Findings are considered applicable to most sheep operations managed under farm-flock conditions. Sheep losses of 109 producers monthly in a 9-county area of south central Kansas [USA] to assess husbandry effects. Cooperators reported deaths of 1362 stock sheep and 2230 lambs during the 15 mo. study, 229 (17%) and 278 (12%) of which, respectively, were killed by canine predators. Total annual losses of stock sheep and lambs were 6.7 and 7.9%, respectively; annual loss to predators was < 1%. More than 80% of the predator-caused sheep deaths were in flocks of 22% of the producers. Sheep losses were slightly higher where coyote-abundance indices were high. Husbandry techniques that have the potential to significantly reduce sheep losses to canine predators include night confinement, lighting corrals, fall lambing, proper disposal of sheep carcasses and killing individual predators that cause sheep losses.