Final report : integrating livestock into cropping systems using natural biodegradable repellents -- goats as ruminant models

The objective of this research was to identify chemicals that repel and deter goats from grazing crops. The specific objectives were: (1) to screen for repellent properties from fecal sources from large feline carnivores; (2) to compare feeding responses of goats in the presence of fecal scents from predator and non-predator sources; (3) to identify and characterize chemicals from the most effective fecal scents from large felids that have repellant properties; and (4) to compare repellent properties of known chemicals and chemicals characterized from predator fecal scents as feeding deterrents. The experiments show that carnivore fecal scents and some chemicals suppress feeding in goats, suggesting potential to use chemicals to deter browsing by goats. However, other studies are warranted to determine if predator-derived chemicals be used to protect vegetation against browsing by goats. (Author abstract)