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Sheuneni Kurasha
Predators remain one of the biggest menaces facing livestock farmers, particularly those who raise small livestock like goats and sheep.
Given their sheer size, goats and sheep are more vulnerable to attacks by predators like jackals and cheetahs. This leaves farmers with no choice but to invest in predator control to minimise their losses.
While farmers have a range of options at their disposal, such as firearms, snares, and human herders, it’s the use of guarding dogs that stands out as a highly effective strategy in minimising livestock losses to predators.
Success with livestock guarding and shepherding dogs largely depends on the dog breed’s innate or inborn abilities on one hand, and importantly the responsibility of the farmer in providing proper training to the dogs on the other.
This week’s instalment is focused on the prime livestock guarding and shepherding dog — the Kangal or Anatolian Shepherd.
The Anatolian shepherd has been dubbed the ultimate shepherding dog because of its strong protective instincts, which make it an exceptional guardian for livestock, particularly when trained properly.
It originates from the Anatolian region of Turkey and has been used in livestock protection for over 5 000 years against wolves and therefore, showcases a rich past in livestock guarding.
The Anatolian shepherd is the number one dog with the strongest bite force of any dog breed. Its bite measures approximately 743 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is equivalent to 52,2 kg per square centimetre.
This tremendous force is attributed to the breed’s large head and powerful jaw muscles. The Anatolian Shepherd’s bite force is a crucial aspect of its ability to be an effective guardian dog. It has been known to protect livestock from predators like wolves, bears, and jackals.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large and muscular dog. Its weight ranges from 50 to 68 kg for males and 36 to 54 kg for females, although variations exist depending on genetics and individual health.
It boasts a double coat in various shades, with distinctive V-shaped ears for heightened awareness. It is known for its independent nature, exhibiting strong self-reliance and problem-solving skills.
In Namibia, for instance, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has been promoting the use of the Anatolian Shepherd by farmers to protect their livestock against cheetahs.
Through its Livestock Guarding Dog Programme, the CCF trains these dogs from infancy to serve as livestock guardians while preventing the loss of cheetah lives at the hands of farmers through guns and snares.
The programme has been successful, with farmers witnessing a substantial reduction of between 80 and 100 percent in livestock losses, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Anatolian Shepherd as the ultimate shepherding dog.
Online Reporter