A Methodology for Identifying Sources of Indirect Costs of Predation Control: A Study of Wyoming Sheep Producers
SourceIndirect costs of predation on livestock are defined to be those out-of-pocket costs, including costs incurred in attempts to reduce predation, that are in addition to the direct loss of marketable animals. A methodology based on personal interview is presented to assess most indirect costs of predation on sheep. In this study, producers are stratified by numbers of sheep owned and location of operation within Wyoming with a simple random sample of producers selected in each stratum. Recommendations are given for interview procedures and minimum sample sizes because predator control activities and costs vary substantially among producers.
Average indirect costs per animal are estimated for producers in Wyoming during 1981. Additional potential indirect costs of predation not adequately addressed in this study are briefly discussed.