Costs and Returns of Angora Goat Enterprises with and without Coyote predation

Abstract

During 1980, 101 ranchers in 3 counties (Bosque, Hamilton, and Coryell) in Texas, were interviewed regarding livestock losses and expenses resulting from methods used to reduce predation. Using data from the survey and other primary and secondary sources, 2 cost/return budgets were developed for nanny (female), wether (castrated males), and nanny/wether goat operations typical to the study area. First, budgets representing the 3 types of operations in the absence of predation were developed. Then, using an average of the predation rates and levels of prevention practices revealed by the survey, budgets were developed to represent the 3 types of operations with predation. Predation reduced gross revenues for nanny, nanny/wether, and wether goat operations by 22.2%, 14.3%, and 13.5%, respectively, when predation was a problem. Fewer saleable goats and pounds of mohair were the major reasons for this decrease in revenues. Also, when predation was a problem, operational costs were increased by 32.8%, 17.7%, and 16.4% for nanny, nanny/wether, and wether goat operations, respectively. Factors which accounted for the majority of this increase included extra feed, travel expenses, and labor primarily associated with predator control efforts and penning, kidding, and extra surveillance of goats because of the presence of predators. The results illustrate the importance of costs due to attempts to reduce predation. These costs may equal or exceed the value of animals killed by predators; however, without these added costs predation losses likely would be greater.