Manitoba’s Livestock Predation Prevention pilot continued its 2020-23 assessment of various predation risk mitigation practices focused on cattle and sheep populations in and around farmyards.
More than 100 total trials were completed on 48 farms during the three-year project with approximately 75 per cent of the costs covered by the project.
Predator-resistant penning
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Seven high-tensile fences with electrified wires, predator-proof gates and apron wire fences with 22-inch horizontal ground aprons were built on five beef and three sheep operations to safeguard calving and lambing operations.
Results:
- All producers felt the steel gates with concrete thresholds were predator-proof.
- 87 per cent believed the pens saved livestock and would rebuild if damaged.
- 43 per cent needed to disconnect the electrified bottom wire as it grounded out during the season.
Considerations:
- Some producers suggested placing the posts closer and filling the low areas to reduce wire groundouts.
- The page wire, concrete, posts and fortified gates added significant costs and extensive labour.
“Most producers agreed expansion of predator-resistant pens was quite cost-effective as the more expensive components such as gates, water sources and electric fencers would already be in place from the original build,” says Ray Bittner, Manitoba Beef Producers project lead.
ElectroNet penning
Portable short-term ElectroNet fences were constructed on 10 sheep farms.
Results:
- All producers agreed ElectroNet reduces predation and would repurchase fence in the future.
- On average, 10 minutes per 164-foot roll was needed to move most pens.
- 89 per cent of fences stayed upright during the season.
Considerations:
- Fence lines should be mowed or mulched before installation to maintain shock capacity and limit grounding.
- ElectroNet needed to be connected to a strong electric fencer, ideally powered by a 220-volt current and fed through high-tensile wires.
- The fence was recommended only for sheep or small ruminants and was deemed easy to install.
- ElectroNet broke down in sunlight and natural environmental conditions plus collapsed under snow.
Deadstock composting pens
Composting pens were erected on 11 beef and two sheep farms to limit food sources near operations, reduce pathogen transfer and eliminate the movement of infected body parts.
Pens were built 64-ft. by 64-ft. square with seven, eight-foot posts and a predator-resistant gate. Fifty-inch or taller chain link or high-tensile apron wire fences were buried at least six inches. Mortalities were covered by crop residue, straw, bullrushes or sawdust to support composting and remove smells.
Results:
- 78 per cent experienced minimal or no smell from the composting.
- Predator invasions were primarily bears or coyotes.
- 11 participants had no invasions.
- 57 per cent believed the pens saved livestock.
- 82 per cent would rebuild if the pen was damaged or destroyed.
- 91 per cent recommended others build a pen.
Considerations:
- Composting areas should be located on a hill away from property lines, wells or water sources.
- Bears caused fence damage. An electric wire was recommended.
- Apron wire was an excellent replacement for chain link as it discouraged digging.
Solar fox lights
Solar fox lights powered by solar panels or standard batteries were tested on six beef and eight sheep farms to create random and disorienting light displays.
Results:
- 86 per cent of producers used the lights for a limited time, then removed them.
- 83 per cent believed the fox lights reduced predation.
- 92 per cent would replace them if removed.
- 85 per cent recommended them.
Considerations:
- Fox lights are time-limited in effectiveness and should be used during peak risk periods, preferably in combination with other methods.
- Predators generally stopped their approaches when they noticed the flashing lights.
- Beginning their use early in the calving season or on weaning day was the most effective control method.
- Fox lights are only useful at night. During the peak of summer, dark hours are limited.
- Benefits include ease of installation, low maintenance and a consistent solar battery charge from extended sunlight hours. Costs were considered minimal.
Fladry wire
Fladry wire or brightly coloured flags were tested on two beef and four sheep farms to create a psychological barrier for canine predators.
Electrified turbo-fladry was installed featuring flags every 18 inches. The idea is the novel flag movement from the wind together with the electric wire would deter predation.
Results:
- 50 per cent of producers believed fladry helped save livestock.
- 80 per cent would replace the fladry if lost or destroyed.
- 60 per cent claimed all predators were kept away from livestock during its use.
Considerations:
- Fladry wire doesn’t discourage bears or cats.
- Wire must be removed in off seasons as sun bleaching and wind causes damage.
- The fladry collapses in heavy, wet snowfalls.
- The cost per foot of wire, combined with its availability and the short season, generally doesn’t fit pasture scenarios.
Veterinary assessments
Sixteen cost-free veterinary assessments, including visual inspections and in-depth conversations with participants, were completed to minimize health issues such as lameness, pneumonia, scours and cocci that might encourage predation.
All producers agreed having an extra set of eyes on the herd was positive and as a veterinary-client-patient relationship is required annually, this late calving or early pasture season was ideal timing to fulfill their obligation.
Recommendations varied including improved vaccination protocols and better nutritional care.
“Overall, the project had important objectives examining the time, energy and money invested to protect our assets,” Bittner says. “I think it was successful with what we were trying to accomplish, although we could always use more time to profile the more useful practices.”
