Dog Predation of Domestic Sheep in Ohio

Abstract

Questionnaires were mailed to 300 sheep producers in Ohio during spring 1979, and 218 returns were analyzed. Predation losses from dogs averaged 1.3% of the sampled sheep for a minimum statewide cost of $836,000 in 1978. Physiographic region, month, flock size, and management technique had no significant effect on number or percent killed per flock. Most attacks (P<0.02) occurred at night and morning, and ewes were more vulnerable than lambs or rams (P<0.005).