GALLATIN GATEWAY, Mont., - A recent study from Oregon State University
found that cattle with wolf attack experience show higher signs of
stress and abnormal behavior, similar to the human condition Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The condition in cows was found to
cause lower pregnancy rates, fewer- lighter calves and a decreased
appetite all of which create a loss to the producer. Citizens for
Balanced Use released the following statement in support of livestock
producers.
"We know that wolves are an undeniable threat to livestock and the
health of our agriculture economy. While the study from Oregon State
University really provides evidence of what most producers already
know, this study is important as we continue to advocate for more
local predator control. Too often, science is manipulated by one
faction or another, but in this case, the researchers at OSU have
given the ranching community a reassuring piece of evidence that can
be used to prove that wolves have a negative impact on the well-being
of livestock and the economies that depend on them.
Similarly, a University of Montana study quantified the economic
impact of weight loss after a confirmed wolf kill for an average ranch
consisting of 264 head of calves. Ranches that experienced a confirmed
cattle depredation by wolves had a negative and statistically
significant impact of approximately 22 pounds on the average calf
weight across their herd. This average weight loss equates to a $6,679
loss at sale for an affected ranch.
Citizens for Balanced Use will continue to stand by the side of our
livestock producers. We know that the ranchers, farmers, sheepherders
and outdoorsman in our region have the better solutions to wildlife
management, and our goal is to defend and promote these solutions. In
instances where common-sense management can be applied, CBU is
actively engaged in the processes that will bring better management of
wolves and our resources."
The Oregon State University study was funded by the Oregon Beef
Council and published in the Journal of Animal Science and was
co-authored by Cooke and Bohnert. The University of Montana study was
published in the Journal of Agricultural Economics, authored by Derek
Kellenberg, Mark Hebblewhite, Joseph Ramler and Carolyn Sime.
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