Livestock protection dogs for deterring deer from cattle and feed
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Published source details
VerCauteren K.C., Lavelle M.J. & Phillips G.E. (2008) Livestock protection dogs for deterring deer from cattle and feed. Journal of Wildlife Management, 72, 1443-1448.
Published source details VerCauteren K.C., Lavelle M.J. & Phillips G.E. (2008) Livestock protection dogs for deterring deer from cattle and feed. Journal of Wildlife Management, 72, 1443-1448.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use guardian animals (e.g. dogs, llamas, donkeys) bonded to livestock to deter predators to reduce human-wildlife conflict Action Link |
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Use guardian animals (e.g. dogs, llamas, donkeys) bonded to livestock to deter predators to reduce human-wildlife conflict
A randomized, replicated, controlled study in 2003 at two forest sites in Michigan, USA (Vercauteren et al. 2008) found that dogs Canis lupus familiaris bonded with livestock reduced levels of contact (and potential for disease transmission) between white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and domestic cattle. In dog-guarded pastures, deer came within 5 m of cattle fewer times (three instances) than in non-guarded pastures (79 instances). No deer were within 5 m of cattle when dogs were present, while 114 events occurred with dogs absent. Deer consumed hay less frequently in dog-guarded pastures (two instances) compared to pastures without dogs (303 instances). At each site, four 1.2-ha pastures, >200 m apart, were enclosed by electric fencing. Deer were baited into pastures with corn and alfalfa. Each pasture contained four calves while two pastures at each site also had a dog. Livestock guarding dogs were great Pyrenees, raised from eight week-old pups, following standard training procedures. Visits of deer into pastures were monitored by direct observation and video surveillance, in March–August 2003.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
