What is depredation in the context of livestock?

Depredation refers specifically to the loss of livestock caused by predators. In agricultural contexts, this term commonly applies to situations where wildlife, such as coyotes, wolves, or birds of prey, attack and kill farm animals. Understanding depredation is crucial for livestock producers as it impacts their herds, causing financial loss and potential stress within the remaining animals. Effective management strategies, such as fencing, guard animals, or certain deterrents, may be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with predation. In contrast, other options represent different loss factors, such as environmental conditions, diseases, or human actions, which do not fall under the definition of depredation.