Preventing Depredation— Fencing, and Livestock Guard Animals

Donkeys and llamas: Livestock guard dogs (LGDs), llamas and donkeys all have a place in preventing depredation — depending upon the level and type of depredation. Llamas and donkeys work best as single animals that become attached to the flock — instead of to each other. Geldings are generally preferred.

Producers recognize that a donkey or llama may appear to work reasonably well for some flocks, but coyote depredation is sporadic enough that these flocks may have escaped problems anyway. Llamas and donkeys may also be unable to cover larger flocks where ewes and lambs are spread over large pasture acreage. If wolves are involved, llamas and donkeys are likely menu items.

Llamas and donkeys deter coyotes by intimidation — both are naturally aggressive towards dogs and coyotes. Llamas typically respond to alarm by vocalization and investigation of the predator. They are curious and inclined to investigate any new disturbance within the pasture area. This confrontational response unnerves coyotes.

Some llamas and donkeys will act much like livestock guard dogs (LGDs), positioning themselves between the flock and the predator or gathering the flock when unknown animals or people enter the pasture. Llama geldings are popular livestock guard animals. They tend to be reasonably priced ($250 to $800) and have similar feed and care requirements as the sheep. New llamas tend to bond to sheep best when introduced to a small lot setting — instead of pasture. Bonding may take several days to several weeks. Some producers feel bonding is best accomplished by introducing a new llama into a lambing barn setting. The natural curiosity of the llama and the newborn lambs may strengthen the bond. As a rule, donkeys are docile around people but most have an innate dislike for dogs. Producers should use only a jenny or gelded jack as a guard animal. Intact jacks may be too aggressive. Use only one donkey for each group of sheep and allow 4 to 6 weeks for a new donkey or llama to bond to the sheep.

While llamas are curious and tend to bond well when lambs are present, most producers prefer to keep donkeys out of the lambing barn to prevent injury to lambs.

Caution: Producers with a guard donkey should avoid using livestock feeds or minerals containing ionophore compounds (monensin or lasalocid) that can be toxic to the donkey.

Source:

Michigan State University Extension

Dept. of Large Animal Clinical Sciences

D202 Veterinary Medical Center

East Lansing, MI 48824-1314

http://cvm.msu.edu/extension/ENVOY/PDFs/Win01.pdf

top of page    back to article list

---

Your continuing support of our products and affiliate links throughout this site help us promote the Miniature Donkey breed and care for rescued equines here at Shadow Ridge. Thanks so much! Cheryl and Chris [Home] [About Us] [Products] [Contact Us]  [Donkey & Mule Information] [Donkey Rescues]   [Our Miniature Donkeys]  [Picture Gallery]  [FAQS]  [Privacy Policy]  [Site Map]   Copyright ©2004-2008 Shadow Ridge. All Rights Reserved. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 For problems or questions regarding this web contact info@shadowridgedonkeys.com  This Site is Powered by Acenet, Inc.

top of page