Impact of fluoacetate toxicity in grazing cattle

Summary

This project was undertaken to investigate the production and economic impacts of fluoroacetate toxicity in grazing cattle in affected regions of Australia
Objectives
The project objectives are to quantify the production and economic impacts of fluoroacetate toxicity in grazing cattle including:Direct production losses including cattle mortalities;Direct management costs;Opportunity costs associated with management conducted to prevent toxicity;Geographic location; andNumbers of livestock affected.
Methods
The project was conducted through participatory and literature research and involved a process of literary review, engagement with landholders and others involved in the cattle industry throughout Australia, conduct of field visits and data analysis..
The project team identified potentially affected regions, selected properties within these regions and conducted two surveys on selected properties to collect information from affected and non-affected landholders. Discussions were held with affected landholders, government and industry advisors and researchers and specialist toxicologists. Case studies were selected following the conduct of surveys and these properties were visited and data collected to form case studies.
Data collected from the surveys and the case studies were utilised in statistical and economic analysis to quantify the impact of fluoroacetate toxicity in the affected regions.
The livestock production and management results presented in the report are based on information supplied by affected landholders through the survey process and through property visits and discussions.