Remote chemical immobilisation method for free-ranging Australian cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Management
• Animal Science

Background:

• Capturing and restraining free-ranging cattle (Bos taurus/Bos indicus) is frequently necessary in Australia.
• Chemical immobilization via darting is a valuable tool for managing and researching large wild herbivores.
• A reliable ground darting method for Australian cattle has been lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective, humane, and cost-efficient ground darting method for free-ranging cattle.
• To establish a reliable protocol for chemical immobilization of cattle in Australian conditions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty female cattle were darted and captured from a vehicle on a pastoral station in northwest Australia.
• Xylazine (0.59 mg/kg) and ketamine (3.59 mg/kg) were administered for immobilization.
• Yohimbine (0.10 mg/kg) was used as an antagonist to xylazine to minimize recumbency duration.

Main Results:

• Cattle achieved recumbency within a mean of 8 minutes and at a mean distance of 260 meters post-darting.
• The mortality rate was 0% on the day of capture and 7% at 14 days post-capture.
• Most cattle were successfully immobilized with a single dart and recovered within 30 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The developed ground darting technique is rapid, humane, and cost-effective, with consumables averaging A$30 per animal.
• This method provides a reliable approach for capturing free-ranging cattle.
• The technique has potential applications across various Australian contexts, pending consideration of veterinary chemical legislation.