Remote chemical immobilisation method for free-ranging Australian cattle

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.