Journal article
Remote chemical immobilisation method for free-ranging Australian cattle
Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.94(12), pp.438-444
2016
Abstract
Background: Many situations are encountered in Australia where the capture and restraint of free-ranging cattle (Bos taurus/Bos indicus) is required. Chemical immobilisation via darting is a potentially useful tool for managing and researching large wild herbivores; however, there is no reliable method for its application to Australian cattle. The aim of this study was to develop an efficacious, humane, cost-effective ground darting method for free-ranging cattle. Methods: The 30 female cattle were darted and captured on a pastoral station in north-west Australia from a vehicle. Xylazine (0.59 mg/kg) and ketamine (3.59 mg/kg) were used to capture animals and yohimbine (0.10 mg/kg) was used as an antagonist to xylazine to reduce recumbent time. Results: Cattle became recumbent at a mean time of 8 min and a mean distance of 260 m from darting. The mortality rate was zero on the day of capture and 7% at 14 days post-capture. Conclusions: The majority of darted cattle were successfully immobilised with one dart and recovered within 30 min, with consumables costing approximately A$30 per captured animal. The technique developed represents a rapid and humane method for capturing free-ranging cattle and, with consideration for legislation surrounding use of veterinary chemicals, could be applied in many contexts across Australia.
Details
- Title
- Remote chemical immobilisation method for free-ranging Australian cattle
- Authors/Creators
- J.O. Hampton (Author/Creator) - Ecotone (Norway)A. Skroblin (Author/Creator) - Australian Wildlife ConservancyA.L. Perry (Author/Creator) - Livestock Extension, Inverloch, Victoria, Australia.T.R. De Ridder (Author/Creator) - Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water
- Publication Details
- Australian Veterinary Journal, Vol.94(12), pp.438-444
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Identifiers
- 991005542342807891
- Copyright
- © 2016 Australian Veterinary Association
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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