Economics of predation on Angora goats and reducing predation losses with the 1080 toxic collar

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine which factors are contributing to the decline of the Angora goat industry in Texas, (2) determine the cost of predation to Angora goat ranchers at one specific site and in three counties, and (3) document the costs and benefits of using the 1080 toxic collar on Angora goats and sheep under different ecological, management, and husbandry conditions. Based on the results of a survey in which 103 present and 104 past Angora goat producers provided data regarding their ranch enterprise, predation, primarily by coyotes (Canis latrans), was the primary production limitation faced by producers.Past producers reported that low mohair prices were a contributing factor influencing their decision to get out of the goat business. Many past producers indicated that since mohair prices are now more favorable, they would like to get back into the goat business; however, because of the risk of severe goat losses to predators and/or costs associated with predator control and husbandry practices required to minimize goat losses, they are unwilling to do so. The cost and other effects of coyote predation were evaluated for one specific goat ranch in a 3-year study. Coyote predation was found to: (1) reduce gross revenue due to animal deaths, (2) increase production costs because of predator control and husbandry practices used to reduce livestock losses, and (3) result in less tangible effects such as the loss of forage where goats cannot range due to high risk of predation and the inability to use goats for brush control. Based on cost/return budgets developed for nanny, nanny/wether, and wether operations in Bosque, Hamilton, and Coryell counties, Texas, predation reduced gross revenues 22.2, 14.3, and 13.5%, respectively. Operation costs increased by 32.8, 17.7, and 16.4% for nanny, nanny/wether, and wether operations, respectively, because of extra feed, travel expenses, and labor primarily associated with predator control, penning, and kidding, and extra surveillance of goats because of the presence of predators.For present producers surveyed in Bosque, Hamilton, and Coryell counties, the total cost of predation in 1980 was estimated to be $817,412. . . . (Author's abstract exceeds stipulated maximum length. Discontinued here with permission of author.) UMI