United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Animal and 

Plant Health 

Inspection 

Service

Veterinary 

Services

National 

Animal Health 

Monitoring 

System

December 2017

Death Loss in U.S. Cattle and 

Calves Due to Predator and 

Nonpredator Causes, 2015
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USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH–NAHMS

NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7

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Fort Collins, CO 80526–8117

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http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nahms

#745.1217

Cover photograph courtesy of David Dargatz.
USDA APHIS VS / i 

Inventory

• In 2015, total U.S. inventory of adult cattle (over 500 lb) was 78 million head, and 

total calf crop was 34 million head.

• Nearly two-thirds of operations represented in this report were cattle operations, 

and nearly two-thirds of cattle represented in this report resided on cattle 

operations.

Overall death loss

• Almost 3.9 million cattle and calves were lost to all causes (nonpredator and 

predator) in 2015.

• The estimated cost of death loss in cattle and calves in 2015 was $3.87 billion.

• The percentage of adult-cattle and calf-crop inventories lost to all causes has been 

relatively consistent since 2000.

• In 2015, nonpredator causes accounted for almost 98 percent of all deaths in adult 

cattle and almost 89 percent of all deaths in calves.

• The percentage of calf deaths attributed to predators increased steadily from 

3.5 percent in 1995 to 11.1 percent in 2015.

• Predator-related calf deaths on cattle operations accounted for nearly 16 percent of 

calf deaths on these types of operations—nearly triple the percentage of predatorrelated deaths on other types of operations.

• About one-third of cattle operations had deaths in adult cattle. 

• About 40 percent of cattle operations had deaths in calves.

Nonpredator death loss

• Respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage of deaths in cattle due 

to nonpredators (23.9 percent), followed by unknown causes (14.0 percent) and old 

age (11.8 percent).

• Respiratory problems also accounted for the highest percentage of deaths in 

calves due to nonpredators (26.9 percent), followed by calving-related problems 

(17.8 percent) and digestive problems (15.4 percent).

Predator death loss

• In 2015, coyotes accounted for the highest percentage of cattle deaths due to 

predators (40.5 percent), followed by unknown predators (15.8 percent) and dogs 

(11.3 percent).

• Coyotes also accounted for the highest percentage of calf deaths due to predators 

(53.1 percent), followed by unknown predator causes (12.4 percent) and vultures 

(10.3 percent).

Items of Note
ii / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Predator control methods and costs

• From 2000 to 2015, the percentage of operations that used nonlethal methods to 

control predators increased approximately six-fold: 3.1 percent in 2000 to 

19.0 percent in 2015.

• In 2015, the highest percentages of operations that used nonlethal methods 

to control predators used guard animals (8.3 percent) or fencing (6.1 percent), 

followed by livestock carcass removal, culling older cattle to prevent death loss, 

and frequent checks in areas or seasons in which predator risk is high.

• For operations that spent any money on nonlethal or lethal predator control 

methods, the average amount spent on nonlethal methods was abolut $3,000 and 

about $300 for lethal methods.

The numbers provided in this report are based on a sample of operations and are 

thus estimates of the true numbers. There is variability associated with each estimate, 

although the measures of variability (such as the standard error) are not always shown.
USDA APHIS VS / iii 

This report was a cooperative effort between two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

agencies: the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

We’d like to thank the NASS enumerators who telephoned and visited cattle operations 

and collected the data for this report. Their hard work and dedication were invaluable. A 

thank you also goes to the personnel at the USDA–APHIS–Veterinary Services’ Center 

for Epidemiology and Animal Health for their efforts in generating and distributing this 

report.

We especially thank the cattle producers whose voluntary efforts made this study 

possible.

Bruce Wagner

Director

Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health

Acknowlegments
iv / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Suggested bibliographic citation for this report:

USDA. 2015. “Cattle and Calves Death Loss in the United States Due to Predator and 

Nonpredator Causes, 2015” 

USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH. Fort Collins, CO

#745.1217

Contacts for further information:

Questions or comments on data analysis: Dr. Chuck Fossler (970) 494–7000

Information on reprints or other reports: Ms. Abby Zehr (970) 494–7000

For questions about this report or additional copies, please contact:

USDA–APHIS–VS–CEAH–NAHMS

NRRC Building B, M.S. 2E7

2150 Centre Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

970–494–7000
USDA APHIS VS / v 

Introduction 1

Terms Used in This Report 2

Section I: Inventory 3

A. U.S. Demographics 3

1. Inventory and operations, 1995−2016 3

2. Operation characteristics, 2015 5

B. State DemographicsInventory and Calf Crop, January 1, 2016 7

Section II: Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes 10

A. Predator and Nonpredator Death Loss 10

1. Number of cattle and calves lost, 1995−2015 10

2. Nonpredator and predator death loss, 2015 12

B. Value of Cattle and Calves Lost 29

C. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015 33

1. Death loss in cattle due to nonpredator causes 33

2. Death loss in calves due to nonpredator causes 43

D. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015 53

1. Death loss in cattle due to predators 53

2. Death loss in calves due to predators 59

E. Number of Cattle and Calves Injured but not Killed by Predators 67

F. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators 70

Section III: Methodology 77

Table of Contents

USDA APHIS VS / 1 

Introduction

Introduction

Each January, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) collects data on 

cattle and calves inventory, calf crop, and total cattle and calves death loss. Inventory 

and calf crop estimates (number of head) are published in January via the NASS “Cattle” 

report. Total State-level cattle and calves death losses (number of head) are published in 

April via the NASS “Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income” report. 

For NASS’ January 1992, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 cattle surveys, USDA’s 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s National Animal Health Monitoring System 

provided funding for a detailed, retrospective breakdown of total cattle and calves death 

losses by producer-attributed cause of loss occurring during the previous year. Cattle 

and calves death losses by cause (number of head) were published in May via the NASS 

“Cattle Death Loss” report for years prior to 2015.

This report takes the place of NASS’ “Cattle Death Loss” report for 2015. It provides a 

breakdown of cattle and calves death losses by producer-attributed causes for 2015. Also 

included are producer-reported mitigation measures taken for predator losses and the 

costs of those measures.

This report shows losses separately for adult cattle and for calves. Further breakdowns of 

losses are done by operation types: beef, dairy, mixed, and other. Losses are categorized 

as nonpredator related and predator related. 
2 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Introduction

Calves: All bulls, steers, and heifers less than 500 lb.

Cattle: All cows, bulls, steers, and heifers 500 lb or more.

NA: Not available. 

Operation classification:

Beef: If an operation had more beef cows than milk cows and the milk cows 

numbered fewer than five head, the operation was classified as a beef cattle 

operation. 

Dairy: If an operation had more milk cows than beef cows and beef cows numbered 

fewer than five head, the operation was classified as a dairy operation. 

Mixed: If an operation had more than five beef cows and more than five milk cows, 

or if the number of beef cows equaled the number of milk cows, the operation was 

classified as a mixed operation. 

Other: Operations that did not meet the criteria to be classified as beef, dairy, or 

mixed operations. Examples include feedlot or stocker operations.

Operation size:

For beef operations size groups are 1 to 49, 50 to 99, 100 to 499, and 500 or more 

head.

For dairy operations,size groups are 1 to 49, 50 to 99, 100 to 199, 200 to 499, and 

500 or more head.

For mixed operations size groups are 1 to 99, 100 to 499, and 500 or more head. For 

“other” operations size groups are 1 to 99, 100 to 499, 500 to 999, and 1,000 or more 

head.

States: Estimates are provided at the State level for 39 States. The remaining States 

were divided into two categories: New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, 

New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), and “Other” (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, 

Maryland, and New Jersey).

Standard error: Standard error of the estimate. Standard errors give an estimate of the 

uncertainty contained in the point estimates presented for either counts or percentages. 

The standard errors in this report account for the stratified study design. For percentages 

of 0.0, a standard error of (0.0) indicates that the percentage and standard error round 

to 0.0, while a standard error of (—) indicates that the percentage and standard error 

exactly equal 0.0. 

Terms Used in 

This Report
USDA APHIS VS / 3 

Section I: Inventory–A. U.S. Demographics

Where applicable, column and/or row totals are shown as 100.0 to aid in interpretation. 

For example, in table A.2.b column percentages sum to 100.0, meaning that percentages 

are taken with respect to column totals. Note that estimates may not sum to 100.0 due to 

rounding or suppression. 

Unless otherwise noted, data in section I were published by the National Agricultural 

Statistics Service (NASS).

Demographic information in section I is included in this report to provide context for the 

death loss estimates in section II.

1. Inventory and operations, 1996 to 2016

The number of cattle and calves decreased by approximately 10 percent from 1996 to 

2016, while the number of operations that raised cattle decreased by approximately 

30 percent. 

A.1.a. Number of cattle and calves, by cattle class and by year:

January 1 Number (1,000 head)*

Year

Cattle class 19961 20012 20063 20114 20165

All cattle and calves 103,548 97,298 96,342 92,887 91,988

Cattle 500 lb 

and over 85,164 81,082 81,003 78,278 77,930

Beef cows 35,319 33,398 32,703 30,913 30,331

Dairy cows 9,420 9,172 9,104 9,156 9,315

Heifers, steers,

and bulls 40,426 38,511 39,196 38,209 38,285

Calves under 500 lb 18,384 16,216 15,339 14,610 14,057

*Numbers may not add up due to rounding.

1

NASS, Cattle, Final Estimates 1994–1998, January 1999.

2

NASS, Cattle, Final Estimates 1999–2003, April 2004.

3

NASS, Cattle, Final Estimates, 2004–2008, March 2009.

4

NASS, Cattle, Final Estimates, 2009–2013, September 2014.

5

NASS, Cattle Report, January 29, 2016. The January 2016 inventory numbers were revised by NASS in 

January 2017 to 91,918. Some of the estimates in this report are based on the January 2016 number.

Section I: Inventory

A. U.S. 

Demographics
4 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section I: Inventory–A. U.S. Demographics

A.1.b. Number of operations with cattle and calves, beef cows, and/or milk cows, by year:

Number Operations

Year

19951 20001 20052 20103 20154

Cattle and 

calves 1,190,630 1,076,370 982,510 935,000 848,397

Beef cows 897,660 831,270 770,170 742,000 701,655

Milk cows 139,670 105,055 78,300 62,500 57,586

1

NASS Quickstats, quickstats.nass.usda.

2

NASSFarms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations, 2005 Summary, January 2006. 3

NASS Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations, 2010 Summary, February 2011. 4

Estimated by NAHMS.

A.1.c. Calf crop and calf crop per 100 cows on hand, by year:

Year

19951 20002 20053 20104 20155

Calf crop (1,000 head) 40,251 38,621 37,780 35,685 34,302

Calf crop per 100 cows 

on hand (January 1) 88.3 90.4 89.8 88.2 88.8

1

NASS Cattle report February 2, 1996.

2

NASS Cattle report January 26, 2001.

3

NASS Cattle report January 27, 2006.

4

NASS Cattle report January 28, 2011.

5

NASS Cattle report January 29, 2016. The 2015 calf crop was revised by NASS in January 2017 to 34,087. 

Some of the estimates in this report are based on the 2015 calf crop number in the table.
USDA APHIS VS / 5 

Section I: Inventory–A. U.S. Demographics

A.1.d. Number of cattle over 500 lb on January 1, 2016, and calf crop (2015), by type of 

operation:

Number (1,000 head)

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other Total

Cattle over 500 lb 51,970 13,307 1,302 11,352 77,930

Calf crop 26,235 7,071 601 395 34,302

Source: Estimates by NAHMS.

2. Operation characteristics, 2016

Some tables in section II show death losses by type of operation: beef, dairy, mixed, 

and “other” (see Terms Used in This Report, p 2, for definition of operation types). The 

purpose of the following two tables is to show the relative proportion of operation types 

and how well operation types capture cattle types.

About two-thirds of operations (62.5 percent) were beef operations, and about two-thirds 

of inventory (66.4 percent) was made up of cattle on beef operations. 

A.2.a. Percentage of operations and percentage of inventory, by type of operation:

Operation type

Percent 

operations Std. error

Percent 

inventory Std. error

Beef 62.5 (0.6) 66.4 (0.9)

Dairy 4.5 (0.2) 18.0 (0.7)

Mixed 0.4 (0.0) 1.8 (0.2)

Other 32.6 (0.6) 13.8 (0.9)

Total 100.0 100.0

Source: Estimated by NAHMS.
6 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section I: Inventory–A. U.S. Demographics

Almost all beef cows (99.2 percent) were on beef operations, and almost all dairy cows 

(93.6 percent) were on dairy operations. Bulls, heifers, and steers were primarily found 

on beef and “other” operations.

A.2.b. Percentage of inventory by type of operation and by class of cattle: 

Percent Inventory

Cattle Class

Beef cows Dairy cows

Bulls, 

heifers, 

and steers

Calves less 

than 500 lb

All cattle 

and calves

Operation 

type Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Beef 99.2 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 54.5 (1.5) 68.8 (1.2) 66.4 (0.9)

Dairy 0.0 (0.0) 93.6 (0.7) 12.5 (0.5) 18.1 (0.6) 18.0 (0.7)

Mixed 0.8 (0.1) 6.3 (0.7) 1.2 (0.1) 1.9 (0.2) 1.8 (0.2)

Other 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 31.8 (1.7) 11.3 (1.3) 13.8 (0.9)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Estimates by NAHMS.
USDA APHIS VS / 7 

Section I: Inventory–B. State Demographics

Total U.S. inventory of adult cattle over 500 lb was 77.9 million head. Texas had by far the 

largest inventory of adult cattle (9.8 million head), followed by Nebraska and Kansas 

(6.1 million and 5.6 million head, respectively).

B.1. Number and percentage of cattle over 500 lb on January 1, 2016, and calf crop 

(2015), by State:

B. State 

Demographics

Inventory and 

Calf Crop, 

January 1, 2016

Number (1,000 head)

Cattle over 500 lb Calf crop All

State No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

AL 925 1.2 580 1.7 1,505 1.3

AZ 800 1.0 295 0.9 1,095 1.0

AR 1,335 1.7 760 2.2 2,095 1.9

CA 4,120 5.3 1,990 5.8 6,110 5.4

CO 2,550 3.3 800 2.3 3,350 3.0

FL 1,310 1.7 800 2.3 2,110 1.9

GA 820 1.1 500 1.5 1,320 1.2

ID 2,080 2.7 940 2.7 3,020 2.7

IL 930 1.2 415 1.2 1,345 1.2

IN 694 0.9 335 1.0 1,029 0.9

IA 3,450 4.4 1,060 3.1 4,510 4.0

KS 5,560 7.1 1,330 3.9 6,890 6.1

KY 1,700 2.2 970 2.8 2,670 2.4

LA 627 0.8 350 1.0 977 0.9

MI 945 1.2 400 1.2 1,345 1.2

MN 1,940 2.5 770 2.2 2,710 2.4

MS 745 1.0 400 1.2 1,145 1.0

MO 3,170 4.1 1,760 5.1 4,930 4.4

MT 2,525 3.2 1,470 4.3 3,995 3.6

NE 6,135 7.9 1,660 4.8 7,795 6.9

NV 378 0.5 200 0.6 578 0.5

New England1 385 0.5 192 0.6 577 0.5

continued→
8 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section I: Inventory–B. State Demographics

B.1. (cont’d.) Number and percentage of cattle over 500 lb on January 1, 2016, and calf 

crop (2015), by State:

Number (1,000 head)

Cattle over 500 lb Calf crop All

State No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

NM 1,195 1.5 560 1.6 1,755 1.6

NY 1,220 1.6 530 1.5 1,750 1.6

NC 580 0.7 360 1.0 940 0.8

ND 1,610 2.1 830 2.4 2,440 2.2

OH 995 1.3 470 1.4 1,465 1.3

OK 4,030 5.2 1,770 5.2 5,800 5.2

OR 1,150 1.5 630 1.8 1,780 1.6

PA 1,310 1.7 580 1.7 1,890 1.7

SC 265 0.3 145 0.4 410 0.4

SD 3,680 4.7 1,660 4.8 5,340 4.8

TN 1,415 1.8 860 2.5 2,275 2.0

TX 9,840 12.6 4,050 11.8 13,890 12.4

UT 745 1.0 390 1.1 1,135 1.0

VA 1,120 1.4 660 1.9 1,780 1.6

WA 998 1.3 425 1.2 1,423 1.3

WV 318 0.4 190 0.6 508 0.5

WI 2,820 3.6 1,390 4.1 4,210 3.8

WY 1,210 1.6 670 2.0 1,880 1.7

Other States2 306 0.4 155 0.5 461 0.4

United States 77,931 100.0 34,302 100.0 112,233 100.0

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 9 

Section I: Inventory–B. State Demographics

Note: States in the New England and “Other States” categories from table B.1 are shaded as a group.
10 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

Unless otherwise noted, numbers in this section were estimated by NAHMS.

1. Number of cattle and calves lost, 1995–2015

Almost 3.9 million cattle and calves were lost to all causes in 2015.

A.1.a. Cattle and calves death losses due to all causes, by year: 

Number (1,000 head) 

Year

19951 20001 20052 20103 20154

Cattle 1,645 1,711 1,718 1,734 1,736

Calves 2,739 2,387 2,335 2,259 2,144

Total 4,384 4,098 4,053 3,993 3,880

1

NASS Quickstats, quickstats.nass.usda.

2

NASS Cattle Death Loss, May 5, 2006.

3

NASS Cattle Death Loss, May 12, 2011.

4 NASS Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary, April 2016.

The percentage of adult cattle and calf crop lost to all causes has remained relatively 

constant since 2000.

A.1.b. Cattle death loss as a percentage of inventory of cattle 500 lb or more on January 

1 of the following year, and calf death loss as a percentage of calf crop, by year:

Percent

Year

Death loss 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Cattle 1.9 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2

Calf 6.8 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.2

Section II: Death Loss

A. Death 

Loss Due to 

Nonpredator and 

Predator Causes
USDA APHIS VS / 11 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

In 2015, deaths due to nonpredator causes accounted for almost 98 percent of all deaths 

in adult cattle and almost 89 percent of all deaths in calves in 2015. From 1995 to 2015, 

the overall number of calves that died declined. During the same period, the number and 

percentage of deaths attributed to predators increased. The percentage of calf deaths 

attributed to predators increased steadily from 3.5 percent in 1995 to 11.1 percent in 

2015.

A.1.c. Number and percentage of all cattle death losses, by cause and by year:

A.1.d. Number and percentage of all calf death losses, by cause and by year:

Number (1,000 head) and Percent Loss

Year

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Cause No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

Nonpredator 1,622.7 98.7 1,689.6 98.8 1,683.0 98.0 1,694.0 97.7 1,694.6 97.6

Predator 21.4 1.3 20.5 1.2 34.0 2.0 39.8 2.3 41.7 2.4

Total 1,644.1 100.0 1,710.1 100.0 1,717.0 100.0 1,733.8 100.0 1,736.3 100.0

Number (1,000 head) and Percent Loss

Year

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Cause No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

Nonpredator 2,640.9 96.5 2,262.4 94.8 2,178.0 93.3 2,079.0 92.0 1,904.8 88.9

Predator 97.4 3.5 124.1 5.2 156.0 6.7 180.1 8.0 238.9 11.1

Total 2,738.3 100.0 2,386.5 100.0 2,334.0 100.0 2,259.1 100.0 2,143.7 100.0
12 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

2. Nonpredator and predator death loss, 2015

Dairy operations had a lower percentage of deaths in adult cattle and calves due to 

predators than all other operation types. 

A.2.a. Number and percentage of cattle deaths, by cause and by type of operation:

Number (1,000 head) and Percent 

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Cause No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

Nonpredator 897.2 96.2 412.5 99.8 37.4 96.7 347.5 98.9

Predator 35.7 3.8 0.8 0.2 1.3 3.3 3.9 1.1

Total 932.9 100.0 413.3 100.0 38.7 100.0 351.4 100.0

On beef operations, calf deaths attributed to predators accounted for nearly 16 percent 

of all calf deaths and nearly triple the proportion of predator-related deaths in the next 

highest category, mixed operations.

A.2.b. Number and percentage of calf deaths, by cause and by type of operation:

Number (1,000 head) and Percent 

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Cause No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct. No. Pct.

Nonpredator 1,220.7 84.3 471.3 98.8 40.0 95.3 172.9 97.4

Predator 226.7 15.7 5.5 1.2 2.0 4.7 4.7 2.6

Total 1,447.4 100.0 476.8 100.0 42.0 100.0 177.6 100.0
USDA APHIS VS / 13 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.c. Cattle death loss as a percentage of cattle 500 lb or more on January 1, 2016, and 

calf death loss as a percentage of calf crop (2015), by operation type:

Percent

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Cattle 1.8 3.1 3.0 3.1

Calves 5.5 6.7 7.0 *

*Not reported because “other” operations, e.g., feedlot or stocker, generally have few or no calves born. 

A.2.d. Number of cattle over 500 lb that died in 2015, by cause and by State:

Number of Cattle Deaths

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator Total3

AL 17,310 2,690 20,000

AZ 22,140 860 23,000

AR 31,300 700 32,000

CA 98,900 1,100 100,000

CO 58,840 1,160 60,000

FL 28,590 1,410 30,000

GA 18,280 1,720 20,000

ID 40,100 900 41,000

IL 17,860 140 18,000

IN 17,640 360 18,000

IA 69,750 250 70,000

KS 134,680 320 135,000

KY 37,210 1,790 39,000

LA 15,650 350 16,000

MI 23,880 120 24,000

MN 44,640 360 45,000

MS 21,790 210 22,000

MO 63,970 1,030 65,000

MT 25,070 930 26,000

NE 119,350 650 120,000

NV 5,350 150 5,500

New England1 9,060 140 9,200

continued→
14 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.d. (cont’d.) Number of cattle over 500 lb that died in 2015, by cause and by State:

Number of Cattle Deaths

Cause

Nonpredator Predator Total3

NM 23,710 1,290 25,000

NY (D) (D) 28,000

NC 10,840 160 11,000

ND 13,700 300 14,000

OH 20,690 310 21,000

OK 91,530 3,470 95,000

OR 19,680 1,320 21,000

PA 31,840 160 32,000

SC 6,450 560 7,000

SD 59,610 400 60,000

TN 24,410 590 25,000

TX 297,850 12,150 310,000

UT (D) (D) 13,000

VA 21,410 1,590 23,000

WA 21,770 240 22,000

WV 6,880 120 7,000

WI 62,380 620 63,000

WY 11,380 620 12,000

Other States2 8,310 290 8,600

United States 1,694,620 41,680 1,736,300

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

3

Totals match NASS Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary, April 2016. Ratios of 

death losses due to nonpreator and predator causes are maintained and weighted to match these totals. 
USDA APHIS VS / 15 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.e. Number of calves that died in 2015, by cause and by State:

Number of Calf Deaths

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator Total3

AL 19,870 8,130 28,000

AZ 15,740 3,260 19,000

AR 32,940 6,060 39,000

CA 131,820 8,180 140,000

CO 51,080 3,920 55,000

FL 25,980 9,020 35,000

GA 17,080 4,920 22,000

ID 48,950 3,050 52,000

IL 28,400 2,600 31,000

IN 21,940 1,060 23,000

IA 101,480 3,520 105,000

KS 66,730 3,270 70,000

KY 65,140 9,860 75,000

LA 12,920 4,080 17,000

MI 42,120 880 43,000

MN 80,460 4,540 85,000

MS 19,940 5,060 25,000

MO 105,270 9,730 115,000

MT 55,660 6,340 62,000

NE 74,800 5,200 80,000

NV 9,020 1,980 11,000

New England1 11,820 480 12,300

continued→
16 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.e. (cont’d.) Number of calves that died in 2015, by cause and by State:

Number of Calf Deaths

Cause

Nonpredator Predator Total3

NM 36,790 8,210 45,000

NY 39,460 1,540 41,000

NC 13,790 2,210 16,000

ND 33,120 4,880 38,000

OH 27,100 2,900 30,000

OK 105,690 24,310 130,000

OR 33,790 6,210 40,000

PA 34,910 1,090 36,000

SC 4,530 1,970 6,500

SD 74,230 5,770 80,000

TN 39,840 8,160 48,000

TX 174,370 45,640 220,000

UT 18,440 2,560 21,000

VA 38,440 8,570 47,000

WA 20,960 1,040 22,000

WV 12,680 320 13,000

WI 125,750 4,250 130,000

WY 24,220 2,780 27,000

Other States2 7,540 1,360 8,900

United States 1,904,810 238,890 2,143,700

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

3

Totals match NASS Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary, April 2016. Ratios of 

death losses due to nonpredator and predator causes are maintained and weighted to match these totals.
USDA APHIS VS / 17 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

About one-third of cattle operations had any deaths in cattle over 500 lb: 32.1 percent 

had deaths due to nonpredator causes, and 1.8 percent had deaths due to predators.

A.2.f. Percentage of operations with any cattle deaths due to nonpredator, predator, and 

all causes, by State:

Percent Operations

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

AL 34.2 (3.2) 4.9 (1.5) 37.7 (3.3)

AZ 17.5 (4.0) 3.4 (1.7) 20.6 (4.2)

AR 40.2 (3.1) 1.7 (0.8) 41.0 (3.1)

CA 30.3 (3.6) 3.4 (1.2) 32.6 (3.9)

CO 33.5 (4.1) 4.4 (2.1) 35.0 (4.2)

FL 25.2 (3.4) 4.9 (1.7) 28.9 (3.6)

GA 35.2 (3.7) 5.6 (2.4) 36.5 (3.7)

ID 20.6 (4.3) 1.8 (0.4) 21.3 (4.3)

IL 27.4 (3.1) 0.1 (0.1) 27.5 (3.1)

IN 28.4 (3.2) 1.3 (0.9) 29.1 (3.3)

IA 38.5 (2.7) 0.5 (0.5) 39.0 (2.7)

KS 39.7 (3.3) 0.8 (0.4) 39.9 (3.3)

KY 29.4 (2.5) 2.5 (0.7) 30.5 (2.5)

LA 39.2 (4.3) 1.3 (0.6) 39.6 (4.4)

MI 25.7 (4.7) 0.6 (0.6) 25.7 (4.7)

MN 36.4 (3.2) 1.0 (0.4) 36.8 (3.2)

MS 46.0 (3.6) 1.1 (0.6) 46.2 (3.6)

MO 33.2 (2.3) 0.9 (0.3) 33.4 (2.3)

MT 41.1 (3.7) 2.0 (0.7) 41.8 (3.7)

NE 42.8 (3.0) 0.7 (0.5) 43.5 (3.0)

NV 36.3 (7.4) 2.7 (1.2) 36.3 (7.4)

New England1 25.4 (2.7) 2.0 (1.2) 27.5 (2.9)

continued→
18 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.f. (cont’d.) Percentage of operations with any cattle deaths due to nonpredator, 

predator, and all causes, by State:

Percent Operations

Cause

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

NM 38.6 (7.5) 3.8 (1.7) 41.3 (7.3)

NY 35.3 (4.8) 0.3 (0.2) 35.5 (4.8)

NC 25.0 (4.3) 0.3 (0.2) 25.2 (4.3)

ND 49.1 (3.9) 1.5 (0.6) 49.6 (3.9)

OH 23.4 (2.9) 0.4 (0.3) 23.6 (3.0)

OK 37.3 (3.2) 2.7 (0.5) 39.2 (3.2)

OR 19.6 (4.1) 2.3 (1.1) 20.5 (4.1)

PA 36.9 (3.3) 0.5 (0.4) 37.3 (3.3)

SC 35.8 (5.6) 5.6 (2.7) 39.6 (5.9)

SD 53.6 (3.8) 1.8 (1.1) 54.6 (3.8)

TN 25.0 (2.6) 0.7 (0.5) 25.3 (2.6)

TX 28.0 (2.1) 1.9 (0.5) 29.1 (2.1)

UT 33.8 (4.2) 0.7 (0.3) 34.2 (4.2)

VA 29.4 (3.5) 2.9 (2.1) 32.1 (3.9)

WA 15.4 (3.4) 0.8 (0.4) 15.8 (3.4)

WV 30.0 (4.4) 1.1 (1.1) 30.1 (4.4)

WI 36.5 (2.5) 0.9 (0.4) 36.5 (2.5)

WY 45.3 (6.1) 4.2 (1.6) 48.2 (6.2)

Other States2 36.9 (8.4) 1.3 (0.7) 37.5 (8.4)

United States 32.1 (0.6) 1.8 (0.2) 33.1 (0.6)

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 19 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

Note: States in the New England and “Other States” categories from table A.2.f are shaded as a group.

Note: States in the New England and “Other States” categories from table A.2.f are shaded as a group.
20 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A higher percentage of dairy and mixed operations had any cattle deaths compared 

with beef and “other” operations. In the case of beef operations, the difference might be 

because cattle on beef operations are not observed as frequently as on dairy and mixed 

operations and, therefore, cattle deaths could go unnoticed on cattle operations.

A.2.g. Percentage of operations with any cattle deaths due to nonpredator, predator, and 

all causes, by type of operation:

Percent Operations

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Nonpredator 31.9 (0.7) 56.5 (2.3) 67.2 (5.6) 20.4 (1.4)

Predator 1.9 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 4.5 (3.0) 1.6 (0.6)

All 32.9 (0.7) 56.6 (2.3) 67.5 (5.6) 21.5 (1.5)

.
USDA APHIS VS / 21 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

About 42 percent of cattle operations had any calf deaths; 37.8 percent had deaths due 

to nonpredator causes and 8.3 percent had deaths due to predators.

A.2.h. Percentage of operations with any calf deaths due to nonpredator, predator, and all 

causes, by State:

Percent Operations

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

AL 36.9 (3.4) 13.7 (2.3) 44.7 (3.6)

AZ 17.0 (4.0) 12.2 (3.6) 26.8 (4.6)

AR 42.7 (3.3) 11.1 (2.1) 49.7 (3.4)

CA 33.6 (4.4) 11.4 (2.0) 37.5 (4.6)

CO 43.7 (4.6) 7.9 (2.3) 45.4 (4.6)

FL 21.7 (3.8) 9.6 (2.0) 26.8 (3.9)

GA 40.5 (4.1) 11.7 (2.2) 47.1 (4.2)

ID 28.0 (3.7) 5.4 (1.5) 28.9 (3.7)

IL 38.0 (3.6) 5.2 (1.8) 38.8 (3.6)

IN 32.8 (3.8) 4.2 (1.9) 34.4 (3.8)

IA 45.1 (2.8) 3.8 (1.1) 47.0 (2.9)

KS 43.5 (3.6) 5.2 (1.0) 44.6 (3.6)

KY 43.6 (3.2) 9.4 (1.5) 49.9 (3.3)

LA 36.7 (4.3) 11.2 (2.2) 43.5 (4.3)

MI 33.4 (4.9) 2.5 (1.5) 33.4 (4.9)

MN 36.0 (3.1) 4.2 (1.0) 37.3 (3.2)

MS 41.2 (3.4) 12.2 (2.2) 48.5 (3.5)

MO 48.7 (2.7) 6.7 (1.2) 50.1 (2.7)

MT 55.7 (3.9) 9.8 (1.8) 58.0 (4.0)

NE 53.8 (3.1) 7.3 (1.5) 56.7 (3.1)

NV 40.7 (7.5) 11.8 (3.4) 42.5 (7.6)

New England1 33.2 (4.0) 3.6 (1.2) 35.8 (4.1)

continued→
22 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.h. (cont’d.) Percentage of operations with any calf deaths due to nonpredator, 

predator, and all causes, by State:

Percent Operations

Cause

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

NM 29.0 (4.9) 15.0 (3.4) 37.0 (5.7)

NY 41.8 (4.9) 4.4 (1.8) 44.2 (5.1)

NC 24.3 (3.9) 5.6 (1.8) 26.4 (3.9)

ND 60.7 (4.1) 17.4 (2.6) 66.5 (4.1)

OH 25.0 (2.9) 5.3 (1.5) 28.8 (3.1)

OK 41.0 (2.4) 15.8 (2.8) 51.6 (3.4)

OR 20.0 (3.2) 4.1 (0.9) 20.8 (3.3)

PA 40.8 (3.2) 1.5 (0.7) 41.7 (3.2)

SC 30.1 (5.2) 14.2 (4.0) 38.2 (5.7)

SD 69.6 (3.7) 12.3 (2.2) 70.1 (3.7)

TN 36.7 (2.9) 9.2 (1.5) 41.9 (3.0)

TX 32.4 (2.3) 9.9 (1.2) 39.1 (2.4)

UT 49.5 (5.5) 9.1 (3.0) 50.3 (5.5)

VA 37.7 (3.6) 13.3 (2.5) 44.8 (3.8)

WA 19.8 (4.4) 2.4 (0.6) 20.5 (4.4)

WV 41.8 (4.7) 1.4 (1.1) 42.9 (4.7)

WI 42.6 (2.8) 3.4 (0.9) 44.5 (2.8)

WY 52.0 (6.4) 7.8 (1.2) 53.1 (6.4)

Other States2 23.7 (4.2) 5.1 (2.2) 28.5 (5.0)

United States 37.8 (0.6) 8.3 (0.3) 42.2 (0.7)

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 23 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

Note: States in the New England and “Other States” categories from table A.2.f are shaded as a group.

Note: States in the New England and “Other States” groups from table A.2.f are shaded as a group.
24 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A higher percentage of dairy and mixed operations than “other” operations had any calf 

deaths. Again, this difference might be because deaths on beef operations are more likely 

to go unnoticed.

A.2.i. Percentage of operations with any calf deaths due to nonpredator, predator, and all 

causes, by type of operation:

Percent Operations

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Nonpredator 31.9 (0.7) 64.8 (2.4) 77.8 (5.9) 14.4 (1.3)

Predator 9.7 (0.4) 2.5 (0.4) 11.6 (2.4) 1.6 (0.5)

All 44.2 (0.8) 65.3 (2.4) 78.6 (5.9) 15.3 (1.3)
USDA APHIS VS / 25 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

The percentage of cattle inventory lost to nonpredator causes ranged from 0.9 percent in 

North Dakota and Wyoming to 3.0 percent in Texas. 

A.2.j. Cattle death loss due to nonpredator, predator, and all causes, as a percentage of 

inventory of cattle 500 lb or more on January 1, 2016, by State:

Percent Adult Cattle Inventory

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

AL 1.9 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 2.2 (0.2)

AZ 2.8 (0.4) 0.1 (0.0) 2.9 (0.4)

AR 2.3 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 2.4 (0.2)

CA 2.4 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (0.2)

CO 2.3 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (0.2)

FL 2.2 (0.4) 0.1 (0.0) 2.3 (0.4)

GA 2.2 (0.2) 0.2 (0.1) 2.4 (0.2)

ID 1.9 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.0 (0.2)

IL 1.9 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 1.9 (0.2)

IN 2.5 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 2.6 (0.2)

IA 2.0 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.0 (0.2)

KS 2.4 (0.4) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (0.4)

KY 2.2 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 2.3 (0.2)

LA 2.5 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 2.6 (0.3)

MI 2.5 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.5 (0.2)

MN 2.3 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.3 (0.2)

MS 2.9 (0.7) 0.0 (0.0) 3.0 (0.7)

MO 2.0 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 2.1 (0.1)

MT 1.0 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 1.0 (0.1)

NE 1.9 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.0 (0.2)

NV 1.4 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 1.5 (0.2)

New England1 2.4 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (0.2)

continued→
26 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.j. (cont’d.) Cattle death loss due to nonpredator, predator, and all causes, as a 

percentage of inventory of cattle 500 lb or more on January 1, 2016, by State:

Percent Adult Cattle Inventory

Cause

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

NM 2.0 (0.3) 0.1 (0.0) 2.1 (0.3)

NY 2.3 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.3 (0.2)

NC 1.9 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 1.9 (0.3)

ND 0.9 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.9 (0.1)

OH 2.1 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.1 (0.2)

OK 2.3 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 2.4 (0.2)

OR 1.7 (0.3) 0.1 (0.0) 1.8 (0.3)

PA 2.4 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 2.4 (0.1)

SC 2.4 (0.4) 0.2 (0.1) 2.6 (0.4)

SD 1.6 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 1.6 (0.1)

TN 1.7 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 1.8 (0.2)

TX 3.0 (0.3) 0.1 (0.0) 3.2 (0.3)

UT 1.7 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 1.7 (0.2)

VA 1.9 (0.2) 0.1 (0.1) 2.1 (0.2)

WA 2.2 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 2.2 (0.2)

WV 2.2 (0.6) 0.0 (0.0) 2.2 (0.6)

WI 2.2 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 2.2 (0.1)

WY 0.9 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 1.0 (0.1)

Other States2 2.7 (0.3) 0.1 (0.0) 2.8 (0.3)

United States 2.2 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 2.2 (0.1)

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

Some percentages may not sum exactly due to rounding.
USDA APHIS VS / 27 

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

Minnesota and Michigan had the highest percentage of calves born that were lost to 

nonpredator causes (10.5 percent each). 

A.2.k. Calf death loss due to nonpredator, predator, and all causes, as a percentage of 

calf crop (2015), by State:

Percent Calf Crop

Cause 

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

AL 3.4 (0.4) 1.4 (0.2) 4.8 (0.4)

AZ 5.4 (0.8) 1.1 (0.3) 6.5 (0.8)

AR 4.4 (0.3) 0.8 (0.1) 5.2 (0.3)

CA 6.6 (0.6) 0.4 (0.1) 7.1 (0.6)

CO 6.5 (0.5) 0.5 (0.1) 7.0 (0.5)

FL 3.3 (0.4) 1.1 (0.2) 4.4 (0.4)

GA 3.4 (0.3) 1.0 (0.2) 4.4 (0.4)

ID 5.2 (0.8) 0.3 (0.1) 5.5 (0.9)

IL 6.9 (0.7) 0.6 (0.2) 7.5 (0.7)

IN 6.6 (0.6) 0.3 (0.1) 6.9 (0.6)

IA 9.6 (0.7) 0.3 (0.1) 9.9 (0.7)

KS 5.0 (0.5) 0.2 (0.1) 5.3 (0.5)

KY 6.7 (0.5) 1.0 (0.2) 7.7 (0.5)

LA 3.7 (0.4) 1.2 (0.3) 4.9 (0.4)

MI 10.5 (1.0) 0.2 (0.1) 10.8 (1.0)

MN 10.5 (0.9) 0.6 (0.2) 11.1 (0.9)

MS 5.0 (0.7) 1.3 (0.2) 6.3 (0.7)

MO 6.0 (0.3) 0.6 (0.1) 6.6 (0.3)

MT 3.8 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1) 4.2 (0.2)

NE 4.5 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 4.8 (0.2)

NV 4.5 (0.4) 1.0 (0.3) 5.5 (0.4)

New England1 6.2 (0.4) 0.3 (0.1) 6.5 (0.4)

continued→
28 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossA. Death Loss Due to Nonpredator and Predator Causes

A.2.k. (cont’d.) Calf death loss due to nonpredator, predator, and all causes, as a 

percentage of calf crop (2015), by State:

Percent Calf Crop

Cause

Nonpredator Predator All causes

State Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error Pct. Std. error

NM 6.6 (2.0) 1.5 (0.5) 8.1 (2.2)

NY 7.5 (0.6) 0.3 (0.1) 7.7 (0.7)

NC 3.8 (0.6) 0.6 (0.2) 4.5 (0.6)

ND 4.0 (0.2) 0.6 (0.1) 4.6 (0.3)

OH 5.8 (0.5) 0.6 (0.2) 6.4 (0.5)

OK 6.0 (0.3) 1.4 (0.2) 7.4 (0.3)

OR 5.4 (0.5) 1.0 (0.2) 6.4 (0.5)

PA 6.0 (0.5) 0.2 (0.1) 6.2 (0.5)

SC 3.1 (0.4) 1.4 (0.3) 4.5 (0.6)

SD 4.5 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 4.8 (0.3)

TN 4.6 (0.4) 0.9 (0.2) 5.6 (0.4)

TX 4.3 (0.3) 1.1 (0.2) 5.5 (0.4)

UT 4.7 (0.4) 0.7 (0.1) 5.4 (0.4)

VA 5.9 (0.4) 1.3 (0.2) 7.2 (0.5)

WA 4.9 (0.8) 0.2 (0.1) 5.2 (0.8)

WV 6.7 (0.8) 0.2 (0.1) 6.9 (0.8)

WI 9.0 (0.5) 0.3 (0.1) 9.4 (0.5)

WY 3.6 (0.2) 0.4 (0.0) 4.0 (0.2)

Other States2 4.9 (0.5) 0.9 (0.4) 5.8 (0.5)

United States 5.6 (0.1) 0.7 (0.0) 6.3 (0.1)

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

Some percentages may not sum exactly due to rounding.
USDA APHIS VS / 29 

Section II: Death LossB. Value of Cattle and Calves Lost

Total cattle and calf death losses were valued at $3.87 billion in 2015. Losses on beef 

operations accounted for 58 percent of the total value of losses. 

B.1. Total value* of losses, by type of operation:

Value ($1,000)

Type of operation Cattle Calves Total

Beef 1,585,868 668,931 2,254,799

Dairy 758,342 237,251 995,593

Mixed 67,759 23,532 91,291

Other 456,220 72,861 529,081

Total 2,868,189 1,002,575 3,870,764

*Based on values of cattle and calves on January 1, 2016, as reported by producers on the same survey. 

Producers were asked for the average value per head by type of cattle. The value of deaths was 

calculated as the number of deaths times the average value. 

For cattle, nonpredator causes of death accounted for almost 98 percent of the total 

value of losses. For calves, nonpredator causes made up 88 percent of the total value. 

B.2. Value of cattle death losses due to nonpredator and predator causes, by type of 

operation:

Value ($1,000)

Type of operation Nonpredator Predator Total

Beef 1,526,668 59,200 1,585,868

Dairy 757,072 1,269 758,342

Mixed 65,516 2,244 67,759

Other 452,540 3,680 456,220

Total 2,801,796 66,393 2,868,189

B. Value of Cattle 

and Calves Lost
30 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossB. Value of Cattle and Calves Lost

B.3. Value of calf death losses due to nonpredator and predator causes, by type of 

operation:

Value ($1,000)

Type of operation Nonpredator Predator Total

Beef 556,751 112,180 668,931

Dairy 234,737 2,514 237,251

Mixed 22,373 1,159 23,532

Other 71,459 1,401 72,861

Total 885,321 117,254 1,002,575
USDA APHIS VS / 31 

Section II: Death LossB. Value of Cattle and Calves Lost

In 2015, cattle and calf losses were valued at over $766 million in Texas, by far the 

highest value of any State. States with over $200 million in total losses included 

California, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

B.4. Value of cattle and calves that died, by State:

Value ($1,000)

State Cattle Calves Total

AL 24,509 16,794 41,303

AZ 26,261 9,272 35,533

AR 44,084 22,025 66,109

CA 172,421 81,973 254,394

CO 96,165 17,126 113,291

FL 48,485 20,520 69,005

GA 22,890 12,500 35,390

ID 60,885 17,759 78,644

IL 26,430 13,520 39,950

IN 26,913 9,896 36,809

IA 102,927 41,650 144,577

KS 229,903 29,656 259,559

KY 55,083 38,712 93,795

LA 26,014 9,533 35,547

MI 42,011 17,735 59,747

MN 64,258 39,536 103,794

MS 31,310 14,166 45,476

MO 95,638 61,890 157,527

MT 40,722 14,413 55,135

NE 212,740 22,082 234,821

NV 12,264 5,191 17,455

New England1 14,837 5,126 19,963

continued→
32 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossB. Value of Cattle and Calves Lost

B.4. (cont’d.) Value of cattle and calves that died, by State:

Value ($1,000)

State Cattle Calves Total

NM 36,828 20,316 57,144

NY 42,548 16,463 59,011

NC 13,590 8,635 22,225

ND 23,341 9,587 32,928

OH 32,428 13,888 46,316

OK 143,853 75,892 219,745

OR 36,671 19,599 56,270

PA 45,275 14,936 60,211

SC 8,020 3,309 11,329

SD 100,806 27,500 128,306

TN 33,163 25,618 58,781

TX 642,358 123,888 766,246

UT 18,308 7,512 25,820

VA 30,824 24,817 55,641

WA 32,244 9,293 41,537

WV 8,684 5,342 14,026

WI 111,917 62,528 174,446

WY 19,040 8,287 27,327

Other States2 11,543 4,087 15,630

United States 2,868,189 1,002,575 3,870,764

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 33 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

1. Death loss in cattle due to nonpredator causes

Almost 1.7 million cattle were lost to nonpredator causes in 2015. Respiratory problems 

accounted for the highest percentage of losses (23.9 percent), followed by unknown 

nonpredator causes (14.0 percent) and old age (11.8 percent). 

About 1.9 million calves were lost to nonpredator causes in 2015. Respiratory problems 

accounted for the highest percentage of losses (26.9 percent), followed by calving-related 

problems (17.8 percent) and digestive problems (15.4 percent).

C.1.a. For all operations, number and percentage of cattle and calf death losses due to 

nonpredator causes, by cause:

Cattle and Calf Death Loss

Cattle Calves

Nonpredator cause Number Percent Number Percent

Digestive problems1 134,240 7.9 293,670 15.4

Respiratory problems2

 404,410 23.9 512,680 26.9

Metabolic problems3 42,590 2.5 23,150 1.2

Mastitis 71,720 4.2 9,220 0.5

Lameness or injury 108,710 6.4 36,110 1.9

Other diseases 91,9430 5.4 80,950 4.3

Weather related4 157,400 9.3 261,900 13.7

Calving-related 

problems 152,800 9.0 339,730 17.8

Poisoning5 23,810 1.4 8,820 0.5

Old age 200,270 11.8 NA NA

Theft (stolen) 10,940 0.7 13,150 0.7

Other nonpredator 

causes 58,040 3.4 55,150 2.9

Unknown 

nonpredator causes 237,750 14.0 269,920 14.2

Total 1,694,620 100.0 1,904,810 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.

C. Cattle and 

Calves Death 

Loss Due to 

Nonpredator 

Causes, 2015
34 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

For “other” operations (primarily feedlots and stockers), 55.0 percent of cattle deaths 

due to nonpredator causes were attributed to respiratory problems. On beef operations, 

nearly one-fifth of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes were due to old age, a higher 

percentage than on any of the other operation types.

C.1.b. Percentage of cattle death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by type 

of operation:

Percent Loss

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 5.3 (0.4) 10.5 (0.4) 7.5 (1.7) 11.9 (1.4)

Respiratory 

problems2

 15.9 (1.8) 16.0 (0.8) 14.2 (2.9) 55.0 (2.6)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.8 (0.2) 7.9 (0.9) 3.3 (0.8) 0.4 (0.2)

Mastitis 0.3 (0.1) 14.1 (0.9) 12.5 (3.7) 1.8 (1.7)

Lameness or injury 4.6 (0.6) 12.0 (0.6) 7.3 (1.5) 4.2 (0.7)

Other diseases 4.4 (0.5) 6.6 (1.1) 3.7 (1.1) 6.8 (1.8)

Weather related4

 11.8 (2.7) 7.4 (1.4) 4.4 (1.8) 5.5 (1.1)

Calving-related 

problems 12.8 (0.8) 7.5 (0.5) 8.4 (2.1) 1.1 (0.3)

Poisoning5 2.5 (0.4) 0.2 (0.1) 0.7 (0.3) 0.1 (0.1)

Old age 19.2 (1.1) 5.3 (0.5) 8.2 (2.1) 0.8 (0.3)

Theft (stolen) 1.1 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.2 (0.1)

Other nonpredator 

causes 

3.9 (0.4) 2.7 (0.4) 1.2 (0.6) 3.2 (0.8)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

17.3 (1.2) 9.6 (1.1) 28.5 (11.4) 9.3 (2.4)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
USDA APHIS VS / 35 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On beef operations, a higher percentage of cattle died of old age (19.2 percent) than 

of any other nonpredator cause. Calving problems on smaller operations resulted in a 

higher percentage of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes than on larger operations 

(17.8 and 14.3 percent for operations with 1 to 49 and 50 to 99 head, respectively, 

compared with 8.9 and 6.3 percent for operations with 100 to 499 and 500 or more head, 

respectively). 

C.1.c. For beef operations, percentage of cattle death loss due to nonpredator causes, by 

cause and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–49 50–99 100–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 4.3 (0.6) 5.9 (1.0) 5.5 (0.7) 7.1 (1.1) 5.3 (0.4)

Respiratory 

problems2

 13.7 (4.2) 11.7 (1.4) 17.6 (2.3) 24.5 (3.5) 15.9 (1.8)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.8 (0.5) 0.9 (0.3) 0.8 (0.2) 0.7 (0.2) 0.8 (0.2)

Mastitis 0.4 (0.2) 0.3 (0.2) 0.2 (0.1) 0.5 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1)

Lameness 

or injury 6.6 (1.5) 4.4 (0.6) 2.8 (0.4) 4.4 (0.6) 4.6 (0.6)

Other diseases 4.2 (1.1) 4.3 (0.6) 4.6 (0.6) 4.7 (0.8) 4.4 (0.5)

Weather 

related4

 7.6 (1.0) 7.0 (1.1) 19.2 (6.6) 8.9 (1.2) 11.8 (2.7)

Calving-related 

problems 17.8 (1.8) 14.3 (1.8) 8.9 (0.9) 6.3 (0.9) 12.8 (0.8)

Poisoning5 2.6 (0.7) 2.5 (0.8) 2.3 (0.5) 2.7 (0.5) 2.5 (0.4)

Old age 20.5 (1.9) 25.8 (2.0) 16.0 (1.8) 15.3 (2.4) 19.2 (1.1)

Theft (stolen) 1.8 (0.8 0.2 (0.1) 1.0 (0.4) 0.4 (0.1) 1.1 (0.3)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes 

4.8 (0.7) 5.7 (1.4) 2.9 (0.5) 1.8 (0.4) 3.9 (0.4)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

15.1 (1.6) 17.0 (1.8) 18.0 (2.4) 22.7 (3.8) 17.3 (1.2)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
36 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On dairy operations, respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage of cattle 

death loss due to nonpredator causes (16.0 percent), followed by mastitis 

(14.1 percent), and lameness or injury (12.0 percent). Calving problems accounted for a 

higher percentage of nonpredator-related deaths on the smallest operations 

(12.2 percent) than on the largest operations (6.0 percent).

C.1.d. For dairy operations, percentage of cattle death loss due to nonpredator causes, 

by cause and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–49 50–99 100–199 200–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 10.8 (2.4) 7.9 (1.3) 7.7 (1.5) 7.7 (0.9) 11.6 (0.6) 10.5 (0.4)

Respiratory 

problems2

 16.0 (4.6) 9.2 (1.4) 14.6 (2.1) 16.8 (1.5) 17.0 (0.9) 16.0 (0.8)

Metabolic 

problems3 10.3 (2.8) 9.1 (1.5) 8.2 (1.7) 7.4 (0.8) 7.6 (1.2) 7.9 (0.9)

Mastitis 7.7 (2.0) 13.4 (3.1) 13.3 (2.7) 16.1 (1.7) 14.5 (1.2) 14.1 (0.9)

Lameness 

or injury 14.0 (2.5) 19.1 (4.8) 14.8 (1.3) 12.0 (1.1) 10.7 (0.5) 12.0 (0.6)

Other diseases 4.4 (1.5) 4.2 (0.9) 4.8 (0.9) 4.6 (0.9) 7.6 (1.6) 6.6 (1.1)

Weather related4 0.4 (0.2) 1.8 (0.7) 2.4 (0.8) 0.6 (0.2) 10.3 (2.0) 7.4 (1.4)

Calving related 

problems 12.2 (2.7) 11.2 (1.6) 11.6 (1.3) 8.9 (1.1) 6.0 (0.6) 7.5 (0.5)

Poisoning5 1.0 (0.7) 0.7 (0.4) 0.3 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.2 (0.1)

Old age 9.2 (2.5) 6.8 (1.3) 7.5 (1.6) 7.7 (1.3) 4.2 (0.6) 5.3 (0.5)

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.1 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes 

1.8 (0.7) 5.0 (1.5) 4.9 (1.4) 8.3 (2.9) 1.4 (0.3) 2.7 (0.4)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

12.2 (4.8) 11.5 (3.3) 9.9 (1.8) 9.7 (1.4) 9.2 (1.4) 9.6 (1.1)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
USDA APHIS VS / 37 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On mixed operations, the top three causes of death loss in cattle due to nonpredator 

causes were unknown nonpredator causes (28.5 percent of death losses, with a large 

standard error), respiratory problems (14.2 percent), and mastitis (12.5 percent).

C.1.e. For mixed operations, percentage of cattle death loss due to nonpredator causes, 

by cause and by size of operation: 

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–99 100–499 500 or more

All

operations

Nonpredator cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive problems1 12.0 (4.5) 7.1 (2.2) 6.3 (2.4) 7.5 (1.7)

Respiratory problems2

 15.0 (5.5) 16.5 (3.1) 12.2 (4.8) 14.2 (2.9)

Metabolic problems3 2.0 (1.1) 4.5 (1.2) 2.8 (1.1) 3.3 (0.8)

Mastitis 3.9 (1.6) 18.0 (6.5) 11.0 (5.1) 12.5 (3.7)

Lameness or injury 9.0 (3.3) 8.4 (1.8) 5.8 (2.1) 7.3 (1.5)

Other diseases 7.9 (3.2) 0.9 (0.4) 4.6 (2.0) 3.7 (1.1)

Weather related4

 7.8 (4.6) 7.0 (4.0) 1.1 (0.6) 4.4 (1.8)

Calving-related 

problems 4.8 (1.8) 12.8 (3.4) 6.1 (2.9) 8.4 (2.1)

Poisoning5 2.6 (1.6) 0.1 (0.1) 0.6 (0.4) 0.7 (0.4)

Old age 19.4 (7.9) 9.2 (2.2) 3.6 (1.5) 8.2 (2.1)

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (—) 0.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0)

Other nonpredator 

causes 

6.6 (3.0) 0.4 (0.2) 0.1 (0.0) 1.2 (0.6)

Unknown 

nonpredator causes 8.9 (5.0) 15.0 (4.4) 45.9 (18.4) 28.5 (11.4)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
38 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On “other” operations, respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage 

of nonpredator death loss (55.0 percent). Operations with 1 to 99 head had a lower 

percentage of nonpredator deaths attributable to respiratory problems compared with the 

other operation sizes.

C.1.f. For “other” operations, percentage of cattle death loss due to nonpredator causes, 

by cause and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cattle and calves)

1–99 100–499 500–999

1,000 

or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 6.6 (2.8) 7.8 (1.9) 3.4 (0.8) 14.3 (1.8) 11.9 (1.4)

Respiratory 

problems2

 24.0 (5.6) 64.7 (4.3) 63.9 (5.6) 57.5 (3.2) 55.0 (2.6)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.0 (—) 0.5 (0.3) 2.9 (1.7) 0.2 (0.1) 0.4 (0.2)

Mastitis (P) 0.6 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 1.8 (1.7)

Lameness 

or injury 4.3 (1.8) 3.8 (1.1) 4.4 (1.5) 4.2 (0.9) 4.2 (0.7)

Other diseases 7.1 (3.9) 9.8 (3.3) 9.7 (5.7) 6.0 (2.5) 6.8 (1.8)

Weather 

related4

 10.9 (5.6) 5.6 (2.2) 2.2 (0.8) 4.5 (1.3) 5.1 (1.1)

Calving-related 

problems 3.4 (1.9) 0.9 (0.5) 0.0 (0.0) 0.7 (0.4) 1.0 (0.3)

Poisoning5 0.0 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 1.0 (0.9) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.1)

Old age 6.3 (2.4) 0.8 (0.5) 0.3 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.8 (0.3)

Theft (stolen) 1.5 (1.3) 0.2 (0.2) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (—) 0.2 (0.1)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes 

13.3 (5.3) 1.3 (0.7) 2.0 (1.0) 2.1 (0.6) 3.2 (0.8)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

7.2 (2.8) 4.0 (0.9) 10.1 (3.4) 10.4 (3.4) 9.3 (2.4)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

(P)=Suppressed due to low precision.

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
USDA APHIS VS / 39 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

The percentage of cattle deaths due to respiratory problems ranged from 5.5 percent in 

the Other States category to 50.3 percent in Kansas.

C.1.g. Percentage of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by State: 

Percent Nonpredator Deaths in Cattle

Cause of Loss

State Digestive Respira- tory Metabolic Mastitis

Lameness 

or injury

Other 

disease Weather

AL 5.1 7.7 0.3 0.2 5.5 1.8 8.0

AZ 11.0 13.5 3.0 5.1 6.1 17.2 0.7

AR 4.7 15.2 1.1 0.1 3.8 6.4 6.5

CA 12.3 23.2 9.1 14.1 10.6 2.9 0.9

CO 20.8 33.6 0.9 1.6 7.4 4.3 7.9

FL 7.0 12.2 0.8 9.9 3.7 5.3 5.5

GA 7.3 15.8 1.8 0.8 3.1 2.3 4.7

ID 11.6 32.6 2.5 9.7 6.7 14.0 6.2

IL 6.2 24.0 4.4 2.3 9.8 4.7 7.0

IN 13.0 22.6 2.2 4.1 5.4 2.9 4.7

IA 10.1 46.4 2.0 5.7 5.8 5.6 2.8

KS 12.9 50.3 0.8 0.9 3.3 11.1 4.6

KY 5.7 16.1 1.1 0.5 3.1 2.6 18.1

LA 3.3 12.8 0.8 0.2 1.8 4.9 4.6

MI 10.8 27.0 5.8 10.0 13.5 2.1 3.0

MN 7.7 32.4 3.3 9.2 12.9 6.0 3.1

MS 4.0 7.8 1.2 0.3 23.9 1.2 5.4

MO 3.9 15.8 0.8 0.6 6.0 5.9 8.2

MT 7.4 12.2 3.9 0.5 6.8 4.3 11.2

NE 9.6 29.5 0.7 5.1 2.4 2.4 12.0

NV 15.1 22.5 1.2 0.5 1.4 2.0 5.6

New England1 9.5 18.0 6.8 16.3 16.3 3.8 1.7

continued→
40 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.1.g. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State: 

Percent Nonpredator Deaths in Cattle

Cause of Loss

State Digestive

Respiratory Metabolic MastitisLameness 

or injury

Other 

disease Weather

NM 6.0 13.1 3.4 7.6 6.9 18.4 10.6

NY 10.0 12.5 11.7 12.9 13.4 5.5 1.2

NC 7.7 6.8 0.8 3.9 2.0 5.5 10.5

ND 7.4 15.1 0.7 0.1 4.7 5.7 13.1

OH 17.4 24.0 5.6 4.0 9.9 2.8 6.5

OK 4.5 26.6 0.6 0.2 1.9 4.9 11.5

OR 8.3 10.6 13.9 7.9 12.1 7.7 2.7

PA 7.8 9.5 6.1 11.0 19.0 3.9 1.5

SC 3.6 16.0 1.6 2.7 3.4 3.7 6.9

SD 7.7 32.7 1.7 0.8 7.6 6.8 9.2

TN 5.5 10.2 2.3 3.3 5.8 3.3 11.8

TX 2.5 16.4 0.5 1.2 3.5 4.3 21.9

UT 5.3 16.3 2.3 0.5 3.0 1.4 3.8

VA 2.6 19.5 1.9 3.4 5.8 2.7 8.0

WA 8.9 21.6 7.6 7.7 9.8 10.3 2.8

WV 3.1 14.2 0.3 0.2 7.2 6.8 8.0

WI 10.4 21.5 6.0 11.5 13.8 3.9 2.5

WY 3.4 12.5 0.8 0.2 6.7 3.8 13.7

Other 

States2 3.5 5.5 1.4 9.9 8.5 1.1 4.1

United 

States 7.9 23.9 2.5 4.2 6.4 5.4 9.3

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 41 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.1.g. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State: 

continued→

Percent Nonpredator Deaths in Cattle

Cause of Loss

State Calving Poisoning Old age Theft

Other 

nonpredator

Unknown 

nonpredator Total

AL 14.3 1.1 24.6 0.2 7.7 23.4 100.0

AZ 10.1 1.6 2.0 21.2 1.3 7.1 100.0

AR 11.2 2.4 30.7 0.2 3.3 14.3 100.0

CA 4.2 0.2 6.3 0.2 1.9 13.9 100.0

CO 3.2 1.6 5.0 0.4 6.6 6.8 100.0

FL 10.3 0.7 22.4 0.0 0.7 21.6 100.0

GA 14.4 2.2 31.3 0.5 1.3 14.4 100.0

ID 4.8 0.9 4.3 0.0 0.8 5.8 100.0

IL 9.3 1.4 13.3 1.2 4.4 12.1 100.0

IN 10.2 0.0 9.5 0.0 7.0 18.3 100.0

IA 6.6 1.3 6.3 0.1 3.4 3.8 100.0

KS 3.0 0.8 4.3 0.1 3.1 4.6 100.0

KY 11.6 4.3 11.3 0.0 8.2 17.3 100.0

LA 21.4 2.8 30.0 0.3 3.3 13.9 100.0

MI 14.8 0.1 1.3 0.0 2.4 9.2 100.0

MN 6.7 0.4 4.5 0.0 5.8 8.0 100.0

MS 15.3 4.7 17.4 0.0 5.2 13.6 100.0

MO 12.4 0.5 21.8 0.2 6.3 17.4 100.0

MT 13.6 3.0 13.5 0.1 1.6 21.9 100.0

NE 2.5 0.3 6.9 0.8 2.9 25.0 100.0

NV 2.4 7.4 16.5 0.0 2.3 23.2 100.0

New 

England1 10.0 0.8 6.4 0.0 3.5 6.8 100.0
42 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.1.g. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle deaths due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State: 

Percent Nonpredator Deaths in Cattle

Cause of Loss

State Calving Poisoning Old age Theft

Other 

nonpredator

Unknown 

nonpredator Total

NM 9.0 5.9 3.6 2.5 5.6 7.5 100.0

NY 7.2 0.5 5.4 0.0 6.5 13.4 100.0

NC 19.6 2.0 18.7 0.0 14.0 8.5 100.0

ND 3.6 0.4 20.4 0.6 3.1 25.2 100.0

OH 12.8 0.3 7.3 0.0 0.8 8.7 100.0

OK 9.6 1.4 19.3 0.8 3.0 15.8 100.0

OR 10.2 1.3 9.5 1.2 2.2 12.5 100.0

PA 10.5 0.6 7.4 0.0 6.0 16.5 100.0

SC 14.4 1.7 23.8 0.0 11.7 10.5 100.0

SD 6.3 1.3 8.2 2.1 3.5 12.2 100.0

TN 11.4 0.1 23.2 0.0 8.9 14.3 100.0

TX 12.2 1.7 15.3 0.1 1.1 19.4 100.0

UT 5.3 17.0 6.4 3.2 11.2 24.2 100.0

VA 20.1 0.9 20.2 0.2 4.9 9.6 100.0

WA 11.7 0.1 11.5 0.0 1.0 7.2 100.0

WV 18.8 0.3 28.0 0.1 2.2 10.9 100.0

WI 13.3 0.2 7.7 0.0 2.6 6.5 100.0

WY 5.1 8.5 13.2 0.7 3.9 27.7 100.0

Other 

States2 10.5 0.0 28.6 5.3 6.6 15.0 100.0

United 

States 9.0 1.4 11.8 0.7 3.4 14.0 100.0

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 43 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

2. Death loss in calves due to nonpredator causes

Beef operations reported a higher percentage of calf losses due to calving-related 

problems (22.7 percent) and weather-related causes (18.3 percent) compared with the 

other operation types. Conversely, beef operations had a lower percentage of deaths 

due to respiratory problems than the other operation types. Dairy operations reported 

higher percentage of calves lost to digestive problems (28.1 percent) compared with beef 

operations (9.6 percent).

C.2.a. Percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by type of 

operation:

Percent Loss

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Nonpredator cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive problems1 9.6 (0.4) 28.1 (1.6) 19.9 (3.5) 20.4 (3.5)

Respiratory 

problems2

 23.0 (0.8) 32.7 (1.4) 36.1 (5.6) 36.3 (4.6)

Metabolic problems3 0.4 (0.1) 3.4 (1.7) 0.6 (0.3) 1.4 (0.8)

Mastitis 0.3 (0.1) 1.1 (0.3) 0.3 (0.3) 0.0 (—)

Lameness or injury 1.7 (0.2) 2.6 (0.3) 2.2 (0.8) 1.1 (0.3)

Other diseases 4.1 (0.5) 4.3 (0.7) 2.1 (1.0) 5.6 (1.6)

Weather related4

 18.3 (0.7) 4.1 (0.6) 5.6 (1.5) 9.7 (3.6)

Calving-related 

problems 22.7 (0.7) 10.9 (0.9) 7.7 (1.6) 4.1 (1.0)

Poisoning5 0.6 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 0.6 (0.4) 0.5 (0.3)

Theft (stolen) 1.0 (0.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 0.7 (0.5)

Other nonpredator 

causes 

3.4 (0.3) 2.4 (0.4) 0.8 (0.3) 1.0 (0.3)

Unknown 

nonpredator causes 14.7 (0.6) 10.2 (1.1) 24.0 (7.4) 19.3 (6.2)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
44 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On beef operations, respiratory problems accounted for the highest percentage of 

calf death loss due to nonpredator causes (23.0 percent), followed by calving-related 

problems (22.7 percent), and weather-related causes (18.3 percent). Calving-related 

problems accounted for a higher percentage of calf death loss on the smallest operations 

(27.7 percent of operations with 1 to 49 cows) than on larger operations (21.4, 20.2, 

and 17.3 percent for operations with 50 to 99, 100 to 499, and 500 or more cows, 

respectively). 

C.2.b. For beef operations, percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by 

cause and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–49 50–99 100–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 7.3 (0.7) 7.7 (1.0) 11.4 (0.7) 14.3 (1.2) 9.6 (0.4)

Respiratory 

problems2 16.1 (1.8) 23.4 (1.7) 27.2 (1.1) 30.6 (1.7) 23.0 (0.8)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.4 (0.1) 0.2 (0.1) 0.4 (0.1) 0.5 (0.2) 0.4 (0.1)

Mastitis 0.6 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 0.1 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 0.3 (0.1)

Lameness or 

injury 2.3 (0.4) 2.0 (0.5) 1.3 (0.2) 1.2 (0.3) 1.7 (0.2)

Other diseases 3.8 (0.8) 5.7 (1.4) 4.0 (0.8) 2.9 (0.7) 4.1 (0.5)

Weather 

related4 17.4 (1.5) 19.2 (1.7) 18.7 (1.1) 18.8 (1.6) 18.3 (0.7)

Calving-related 

problems 27.7 (1.6) 21.4 (1.5) 20.2 (1.0) 17.3 (1.7) 22.7 (0.7)

Poisoning5 0.6 (0.2) 0.5 (0.2) 0.6 (0.2) 0.5 (0.1) 0.6 (0.1)

Theft (stolen) 1.9 (0.7) 1.0 (0.6) 0.4 (0.2) 0.3 (0.1) 1.0 (0.3)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes

5.8 (0.8) 2.3 (0.4) 2.4 (0.4) 1.0 (0.3) 3.4 (0.3)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes

16.2 (1.2) 16.2 (1.4) 13.2 (1.0) 12.5 (1.6) 14.7 (0.6)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
USDA APHIS VS / 45 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On dairy operations, respiratory and digestive problems accounted for more than 

50 percent of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes (32.7 and 28.1 percent, 

respectively). 

C.2.c. For dairy operations, percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by 

cause and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–49 50–99 100–499 200–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 31.2 (4.2) 29.4 (2.6) 34.5 (3.4) 32.5 (2.3) 24.7 (2.9) 28.1 (1.6)

Respiratory 

problems2

 29.4 (4.8) 33.4 (3.1) 34.7 (2.9) 35.6 (2.0) 31.9 (2.1) 32.7 (1.4)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.3 (0.2) 0.9 (0.5) 0.7 (0.3) 1.5 (0.5) 5.5 (3.0) 3.4 (1.7)

Mastitis 0.0 (0.0) 0.8 (0.4) 0.2 (0.1) 3.3 (2.5) 1.1 (0.3) 1.1 (0.3)

Lameness 

or injury 1.2 (0.5) 1.0 (0.3) 2.8 (0.7) 2.0 (0.3) 3.2 (0.5) 2.6 (0.3)

Other diseases 1.2 (0.4) 2.9 (0.9) 2.4 (0.6) 3.6 (1.1) 5.8 (1.4) 4.3 (0.7)

Weather 

related4

 5.9 (2.6) 3.6 (2.0) 3.4 (0.9) 3.3 (1.2) 4.3 (0.8) 4.1 (0.6)

Calving-related 

problems 19.5 (3.9) 13.4 (2.0) 12.8 (2.7) 7.9 (1.1) 9.1 (1.2) 10.9 (0.9)

Poisoning5 0.3 (0.2) 0.3 (0.2) 0.1 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0) 0.1 (0.0)

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes 

1.9 (0.8) 4.0 (1.9) 1.3 (0.7) 1.6 (1.0) 2.7 (0.6) 2.4 (0.4)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

9.1 (2.3) 10.3 (2.4) 7.1 (1.4) 8.7 (1.5) 11.6 (2.0) 10.2 (1.1)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
46 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

On mixed operations, the top three causes of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes 

were respiratory problems, unknown nonpredator causes, and digestive problems, 

regardless of operation size.

C.2.d. For mixed operations, number and percentage of calf death loss due to 

nonpredator causes, by cause and by size of operation:

Number and Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–99 100–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Nonpredator cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive problems1 24.6 (5.8) 24.8 (6.1) 12.4 (3.8) 19.9 (3.5)

Respiratory problems2

 34.6 (8.4) 41.0 (7.0) 32.3 (11.0) 36.1 (5.6)

Metabolic problems3 0.1 (0.1) 1.3 (0.9) 0.3 (0.1) 0.6 (0.3)

Mastitis 0.0 (0.0) 0.7 (0.7) 0.1 (0.1) 0.3 (0.3)

Lameness or injury 1.5 (1.0) 4.1 (1.9) 0.8 (0.3) 2.2 (0.8)

Other diseases 4.2 (3.7) 0.5 (0.2) 2.4 (1.3) 2.1 (1.0)

Weather related4

 7.7 (4.2) 7.6 (2.7) 2.4 (0.9) 5.6 (1.5)

Calving-related 

problems

10.2 (4.9) 6.7 (1.9) 7.3 (2.3) 7.7 (1.6)

Poisoning5 1.4 (1.3) 0.0 (0.0) 0.7 (0.5) 0.6 (0.4)

Theft (stolen) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (0.0) 0.0 (0.0)

Other nonpredator 

causes 1.0 (0.6) 0.5 (0.3) 0.9 (0.5) 0.8 (0.3)

Unknown 

nonpredator causes 14.8 (5.8) 12.7 (3.0) 40.5 (15.1) 24.0 (7.5)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
USDA APHIS VS / 47 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.2.e. For other operations, percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by 

cause and by size of operation

Number and Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cattle and calves)

1–99 100–499 500–999

1,000 or 

more

All 

operations

Nonpredator 

cause Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Digestive 

problems1 22.2 (4.8) 17.7 (4.6) 17.3 (5.9) 21.2 (6.1) 20.4 (3.5)

Respiratory 

problems2

 35.1 (4.9) 49.4 (6.6) 65.0 (6.3) 27.9 (6.8) 36.3 (4.6)

Metabolic 

problems3 0.0 (—) 2.5 (2.3) 3.5 (2.4) 1.2 (1.2) 1.4 (0.8)

Mastitis 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Lameness or 

injury 0.7 (0.6) 0.4 (0.3) 1.1 (0.4) 1.5 (0.6) 1.1 (0.3)

Other diseases 0.7 (0.4) 7.0 (2.6) 1.7 (1.4) 7.3 (2.7) 5.6 (1.6)

Weather 

related4

 6.1 (2.2) 12.8 (7.0) 5.9 (3.0) 10.2 (6.1) 9.7 (3.6)

Calving-related 

problems 15.0 (4.0) 4.6 (2.0) 0.6 (0.4) 0.2 (0.1) 4.1 (1.0)

Poisoning5 1.1 (1.1) 1.1 (1.0) 0.0 (—) 0.2 (0.1) 0.5 (0.3)

Theft (stolen) 3.4 (2.3) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.7 (0.5)

Other 

nonpredator 

causes 

2.5 (1.4) 0.6 (0.4) 2.0 (1.4) 0.4 (0.3) 1.0 (0.3)

Unknown 

nonpredator 

causes 

13.3 (4.0) 4.0 (2.1) 2.9 (1.3) 30.0 (10.9) 19.3 (6.2)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

1

Such as bloat, scours, parasites, enterotoxemia, or acidosis.

2

Such as pneumonia or shipping fever.

3

Such as milk fever or grass tetany.

4

Such as chilling, drowning, or lightning.

5

Such as by nitrate, noxious feeds, or noxious weeds.
48 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

Death loss in calves due to respiratory problems ranged from 10.7 percent of nonpredator 

losses in South Carolina to 45.9 percent of losses in Nevada. Calving-related issues was 

the second leading cause of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, ranging from 

3.7 percent of losses in New Mexico to 39.9 percent of losses in South Carolina.

C.2.f. Percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by State:

Percent Nonpredator Death Loss in Calves

Cause of Loss

State Digestive Respira- tory Metabolic Mastitis

Lameness 

or injury

Other 

disease

AL 4.4 14.1 1.8 2.5 2.2 3.6

AZ 11.8 18.6 4.5 0.5 4.8 8.0

AR 5.8 31.9 1.0 0.0 1.7 2.2

CA 21.9 30.7 7.9 0.3 2.3 2.6

CO 15.9 32.6 0.6 0.5 2.1 3.6

FL 11.3 24.1 1.1 1.3 1.8 1.3

GA 9.9 15.0 1.5 0.2 1.6 3.3

ID 15.6 36.8 1.6 0.8 1.1 10.1

IL 12.4 25.1 4.4 0.0 3.3 2.7

IN 26.0 29.1 0.9 0.1 1.5 3.9

IA 18.4 29.5 0.4 0.3 1.4 2.7

KS 7.1 30.4 0.0 0.0 1.1 5.6

KY 7.7 14.3 0.0 0.6 1.3 1.9

LA 2.6 27.0 0.0 0.0 2.9 1.3

MI 25.5 40.8 2.1 0.8 3.2 1.5

MN 25.8 31.2 1.2 0.0 2.1 3.8

MS 5.6 14.2 0.6 0.2 0.8 12.1

MO 15.7 25.7 0.4 0.1 2.1 2.7

MT 14.4 18.5 0.2 0.1 1.2 2.6

NE 14.3 27.3 0.2 0.0 0.9 2.0

NV 17.4 45.9 0.3 0.0 0.8 1.6

New England1 22.2 36.4 3.0 2.6 3.6 4.2

continued→
USDA APHIS VS / 49 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.2.f. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State:

Percent Nonpredator Death Loss in Calves

Cause of Loss

State Digestive

Respiratory Metabolic MastitisLameness 

or injury

Other 

disease

NM 33.7 12.3 0.8 0.0 1.3 18.8

NY 22.2 31.1 0.9 5.1 2.2 2.0

NC 12.9 15.1 0.0 2.5 0.4 11.0

ND 8.9 29.4 1.1 0.0 1.4 1.3

OH 25.4 31.9 0.8 1.5 1.6 1.8

OK 4.6 30.0 0.9 0.2 0.7 4.2

OR 19.0 28.5 2.7 2.6 3.4 3.1

PA 26.3 27.5 1.8 0.8 3.4 2.9

SC 7.8 10.7 0.4 0.0 0.4 2.0

SD 15.0 30.3 0.0 0.0 1.3 1.8

TN 13.3 23.8 0.5 0.6 1.2 4.2

TX 2.7 21.0 0.1 0.7 2.0 9.3

UT 12.0 28.1 1.1 0.1 4.7 4.6

VA 9.0 18.3 0.4 0.0 3.9 2.7

WA 33.4 26.9 0.3 0.4 0.5 3.2

WV 2.0 11.4 0.0 0.0 2.7 0.1

WI 30.3 32.6 0.2 0.0 2.8 4.3

WY 12.1 22.8 0.3 0.1 1.5 2.7

Other States2 12.7 21.1 0.2 0.4 4.1 5.8

United States 15.4 26.9 1.2 0.5 1.9 4.2

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

continued→
50 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.2.f. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State:

Percent Nonpredator Death Loss in Calves

Cause of Loss

State Weather Calving

Poisoning Theft

Other 

nonpredator

Unknown 

nonpredator Total

AL 3.6 25.8 0.5 2.7 5.3 33.4 100.0

AZ 3.9 15.2 0.8 14.0 2.6 15.3 100.0

AR 18.7 17.6 2.3 0.0 2.6 16.2 100.0

CA 1.6 7.3 0.1 0.0 2.2 23.1 100.0

CO 14.2 17.3 1.1 0.8 0.4 10.8 100.0

FL 1.4 20.2 0.1 0.0 0.7 36.8 100.0

GA 4.7 28.6 0.2 0.0 2.2 32.8 100.0

ID 8.1 12.0 0.7 0.0 0.3 12.8 100.0

IL 13.5 25.3 1.3 0.6 1.5 9.7 100.0

IN 13.1 11.2 2.3 0.0 2.4 9.5 100.0

IA 14.4 20.6 0.7 0.8 2.6 8.2 100.0

KS 11.8 19.9 0.3 0.4 3.3 20.2 100.0

KY 40.7 12.8 0.4 0.9 7.9 11.4 100.0

LA 9.0 33.2 0.2 0.0 7.3 16.4 100.0

MI 4.2 11.9 1.6 0.0 2.1 6.3 100.0

MN 5.7 14.9 0.0 0.0 4.2 11.0 100.0

MS 5.4 34.1 0.1 2.0 5.2 19.9 100.0

MO 16.8 19.6 0.1 0.0 5.9 10.9 100.0

MT 21.2 22.3 1.5 0.1 2.5 15.4 100.0

NE 17.6 23.3 0.1 0.9 2.2 11.2 100.0

NV 6.9 5.3 0.3 0.0 6.6 14.7 100.0

New 

England1 7.8 9.9 0.0 0.0 3.6 6.8 100.0

continued→
USDA APHIS VS / 51 

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

C.2.f. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause and by 

State:

Percent Nonpredator Death Loss in Calves

Cause of Loss

State Weather Calving

Poisoning Theft

Other 

nonpredator

Unknown 

nonpredator Total

NM 14.4 3.7 0.6 5.8 3.0 5.6 100.0

NY 5.8 9.2 0.6 0.0 3.7 17.1 100.0

NC 11.0 19.8 0.0 0.0 1.2 26.1 100.0

ND 14.2 28.5 0.0 0.3 1.3 13.6 100.0

OH 17.3 9.3 0.0 0.0 3.7 6.5 100.0

OK 20.3 18.7 0.3 1.0 2.7 16.4 100.0

OR 8.3 21.6 0.2 0.8 0.2 9.7 100.0

PA 5.0 12.3 0.6 0.0 2.4 16.9 100.0

SC 11.2 39.9 0.0 8.2 6.0 13.4 100.0

SD 19.9 22.9 0.1 0.1 0.5 8.1 100.0

TN 13.4 24.5 0.0 2.0 4.2 12.3 100.0

TX 17.9 20.4 0.1 1.3 2.3 22.3 100.0

UT 6.7 8.3 6.1 1.3 3.9 23.3 100.0

VA 35.2 16.2 0.1 0.0 5.5 8.8 100.0

WA 3.3 18.0 0.0 0.0 6.0 7.9 100.0

WV 50.0 16.3 0.0 0.0 4.8 12.6 100.0

WI 5.0 19.1 0.0 0.0 1.1 4.6 100.0

WY 23.7 21.9 1.9 0.3 1.9 11.0 100.0

Other 

States2 17.1 16.5 0.0 0.2 9.6 12.2 100.0

United 

States 13.7 17.8 0.5 0.7 2.9 14.2 100.0

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
52 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossC. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Nonpredator Causes, 2015

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Calves

Cattle

Percent

Cause

Respiratory

problems

Lameness

or injury

Mastitis

Theft

(stolen)

Percentage of cattle and calves death loss due to nonpredator causes, by cause

23.9

Metabolic

problems

26.9

9.0

7.9

15.4

4.3

2.9

9.3

13.7

7.7

2.5

1.9

4.2

6.4

17.8

14.2

14.0

3.4

0.5

5.4

Poisoning

Other

nonpredator

causes

Other

diseases

Digestive

problems

Weather

related

Calvingrelated

problems

Unknown

nonpredator

causes

0.7

0.6

0.5

1.4

1.2
USDA APHIS VS / 53 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D. Cattle and 

Calves Death 

Loss Due to 

Predators, 2015

1. Cattle death loss due to predators

Coyotes accounted for 40.5 percent of cattle death losses due to predators, or 

approximately 17,000 deaths. Unknown predators accounted for the second highest 

percentage of loss due to predators, accounting for 15.8 percent of all predator-related 

cattle deaths.

Overall, dogs, wolves, and coyotes accounted for more than half of cattle death losses 

due to predators, which is a higher percentage of loss than that due to bears (grizzly 

or black), felines (bobcats, lynx, mountain lions, cougars, or pumas), or predatory birds 

(ravens, eagles, or vultures) combined. 

Of death loss due to predatory birds, vultures accounted for the highest percentage of 

loss due to birds (5.2 percent of all cattle death loss due to predators).

D.1.a. For all operations, number and percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, 

by predator:

Predator Number Percent

Grizzly bears 1,260 3.0

Black bears 420 1.0

Bobcats or lynx 500 1.2

Coyotes 16,880 40.5

Dogs 4,700 11.3

Foxes 610 1.5

Wolves 2,040 4.9

Ravens (D) (D)

Eagles (D) (D)

Vultures 2,170 5.2

Mountain lions, cougars, or pumas 1,930 4.6

Other predators 4,610 11.1

Unknown predators 6,570 15.8

Total 41,680 100.0

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.
54 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

The percentage of cattle death loss attributed to predators accounted for only 

2.4 percent (or approximately 41,700 head) of all cattle death loss. Thus, tables by size 

within operation type are not reported because of low precision (large standard errors). 

Compared with the other operations types, mixed operations had a lower percentage of 

cattle death loss due to coyotes (3.2 percent, which is not significantly different from 

0 percent) and a higher percentage of losses due to foxes (46.8 percent) and wolves 

(46.0 percent). 

D.1.b. Percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, by predator and by type of 

operation:

Percent Loss

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Predator Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Grizzly bears 3.5 (1.7) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Black bears 1.1 (0.4) 3.8 (3.4) 0.0 (—) 0.5 (0.5)

Bobcats or lynx 1.4 (0.9) 0.0 (—) 0.6 (0.6) 0.0 (—)

Coyotes 42.2 (4.5) 25.9 (6.5) 3.2 (3.2) 43.6 (18.0)

Dogs 10.8 (2.7) 16.7 (5.5) 0.7 (0.7) 18.2 (11.2)

Foxes 0.0 (—) 1.2 (0.9) 46.8 (3.2) 0.0 (—)

Wolves 3.9 (0.9) 0.7 (0.5) 46.0 (3.8) 0.9 (0.7)

Ravens (D) (D) (D) (D)

Eagles (D) (D) (D) (D)

Vultures 6.0 (1.3) 0.4 (0.3) 1.6 (2.1) 0.0 (—)

Mountain lions, 

cougars, or pumas 

5.3 (1.2) 3.4 (2.0) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Other predators 9.1 (2.4) 24.7 (9.9) 0.0 (0.0) 29.9 (22.1)

Unknown predators 16.7 (3.8) 23.1 (8.5) 0.9 (0.9) 7.0 (6.1)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.
USDA APHIS VS / 55 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

In the table below, each row sums to 100 percent, so the percentages indicate the 

percentage of predator-related cattle death loss by each predator cause (columns) within 

that State (rows). For example, 48.4 percent of cattle deaths in the Alabama row, coyotes 

column, indicates that 48.4 percent of the predator-related cattle deaths in Alabama were 

caused by coyotes. 

While coyotes appear to account for a moderate to high percentage of cattle deaths due 

to predators, other predator causes are regional (e.g., bears and wolves). 

D.1.c. Percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, by State and by predator:

Percent Loss 

Predator

State Grizzly bears

Black 

bears

Bobcats 

or lynx Coyotes Dogs Foxes

AL 0.0 0.0 0.0 48.4 37.8 0.0

AZ 0.0 0.0 0.0 31.7 35.3 0.0

AR 9.41 0.0 0.0 8.2 54.4 0.0

CA 0.0 9.4 0.0 34.9 3.8 1.8

CO 4.71 10.3 0.0 68.6 0.3 0.0

FL 0.0 0.0 0.2 32.7 9.6 0.0

GA 31.21 0.0 0.0 13.4 4.1 0.0

ID 29.8 0.3 0.0 11.8 0.0 0.0

IL 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.8 6.3 0.0

IN 0.0 0.0 0.0 66.7 0.0 0.0

IA 0.0 0.0 0.0 31.5 1.0 0.0

KS 0.0 0.0 0.0 68.2 31.8 0.0

KY 0.0 0.0 0.0 32.0 32.4 0.0

LA 0.0 0.0 0.0 62.1 0.0 0.0

MI 0.0 24.6 0.0 75.4 0.0 0.0

MN 0.0 0.0 0.0 43.2 0.0 0.0

MS 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.1 15.5 0.0

MO 0.0 0.0 0.0 25.8 2.1 0.0

MT 24.0 1.8 0.0 22.1 0.0 0.0

NE 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.0 0.0 0.0

NV 0.0 0.0 0.0 40.0 0.0 0.0

New England2 0.0 0.0 0.0 60.9 0.0 0.0

continued→
56 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.1.c. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, by State and by 

predator:

Percent Loss

Predator

State

Grizzly 

bears

Black 

bears

Bobcats 

or lynx Coyotes Dogs Foxes

NM 0.0 1.8 0.0 60.5 0.7 0.0

NY 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

NC 0.0 0.0 0.0 83.9 6.9 0.0

ND 0.0 0.0 0.0 73.2 17.6 0.0

OH 0.0 0.0 0.0 58.7 0.0 0.0

OK 0.0 0.0 0.0 32.1 19.2 0.0

OR 2.1 2.1 0.0 44.2 0.0 0.0

PA 0.0 0.0 0.0 65.7 0.0 0.0

SC 0.0 0.0 0.0 78.7 0.0 0.0

SD 0.0 0.0 0.0 42.1 5.8 0.0

TN 0.0 0.0 0.0 31.4 53.5 0.0

TX 0.0 0.0 1.4 53.0 5.5 4.9

UT 0.0 25.5 7.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

VA 0.0 3.6 0.0 20.0 1.5 0.0

WA 0.0 0.0 0.0 52.8 8.5 0.0

WV 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 0.0 0.0

WI 0.0 0.0 51.2 23.4 0.0 0.0

WY 12.9 2.7 0.0 4.6 0.0 0.0

Other States3 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.1 72.3 0.0

United States 3.0 1.0 1.2 40.5 11.3 1.5

1

Grizzly bears are not known to occur in these States; therefore, these deaths were likely due to black bears.

2

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

3

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.

continued→
USDA APHIS VS / 57 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.1.c. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, by State and by 

predator:

Percent Loss 

Predator

State Wolves Predatory birds1 Mountain 

lions2 Other predators

Unknown 

predators Total

AL 5.7 4.1 0.0 0.3 3.8 100.0

AZ 9.9 0.0 15.3 0.0 7.7 100.0

AR 0.0 4.6 0.0 0.0 23.4 100.0

CA 0.0 0.0 34.3 14.1 1.8 100.0

CO 2.1 0.0 0.0 14.0 0.0 100.0

FL 0.0 11.8 0.4 39.9 5.3 100.0

GA 0.0 8.1 0.0 24.4 18.7 100.0

ID 33.1 0.0 1.2 0.4 23.4 100.0

IL 0.0 0.0 0.0 57.4 27.6 100.0

IN 0.0 0.0 0.0 33.3 0.0 100.0

IA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 67.5 100.0

KS 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

KY 0.0 32.0 3.3 0.3 0.0 100.0

LA 0.0 21.7 0.0 0.0 16.2 100.0

MI 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

MN 32.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 24.6 100.0

MS 0.0 74.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

MO 0.0 0.0 30.4 25.8 16.0 100.0

MT 10.2 0.0 24.3 0.0 17.6 100.0

NE 0.0 0.0 0.6 45.9 44.4 100.0

NV 0.0 2.7 57.4 0.0 0.0 100.0

New England3 0.0 0.0 0.0 27.8 11.3 100.0

continued→
58 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.1.c. (cont’d.) Percentage of cattle death loss due to predators, by State and by 

predator:

Percent Loss 

Predator

State Wolves

Predatory 

birds1

Mountain 

lions2

Other 

predators

Unknown 

predators Total

NM 7.1 0.0 10.7 0.0 19.2 100.0

NY 0.0 0.0 0.0 86.6 13.4 100.0

NC 0.0 9.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

ND 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.4 7.7 100.0

OH 0.0 18.3 0.0 0.0 22.9 100.0

OK 0.0 0.6 4.3 9.1 34.7 100.0

OR 17.8 0.0 9.0 0.0 24.7 100.0

PA 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 34.3 100.0

SC 0.0 19.1 0.0 0.0 2.2 100.0

SD 0.0 0.0 52.2 0.0 0.0 100.0

TN 0.0 0.5 0.0 14.6 0.0 100.0

TX 5.0 4.8 0.0 6.9 18.6 100.0

UT 0.0 0.0 52.7 0.0 14.1 100.0

VA 0.0 7.7 0.0 67.1 0.0 100.0

WA 24.2 0.0 14.6 0.0 0.0 100.0

WV 0.0 1.4 0.0 74.8 18.2 100.0

WI 25.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

WY 18.4 0.0 2.0 1.1 58.3 100.0

Other States4 0.0 2.1 0.0 4.5 10.9 100.0

United States 4.9 5.2 4.6 11.0 15.8 100.0

1

Ravens, eagles, and vultures. Vultures are scavengers, not predators, but are combined with predatory birds 

for convenience.

2

Mountain lions, cougars, or pumas.

3

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

4

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 59 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

2. Calf death loss due to predators

Of the 14 predators listed in the study questionnaire, coyotes accounted for just over 

half of the 239,000 calf losses due to predators (table A.1.d). Unknown predator causes 

accounted for 12.4 percent of calf deaths, and vultures accounted for 10.3 percent of calf 

deaths. 

A higher percentage of calf deaths than cattle deaths (table C.1.a) were attributed to 

predatory birds: 13.6 of calf deaths were due to ravens, eagles, and vultures combined 

compared with 5.2 percent of cattle deaths due to ravens, eagles and vultures combined. 

D.2.a. For all operations, number and percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by 

predator:

Predator Number Percent

Grizzly bears 1,810 0.8

Black bears 3,130 1.3

Bobcats or lynx 2,080 0.9

Coyotes 126,810 53.1

Dogs 15,740 6.6

Foxes 82 0.0

Wolves 8,110 3.4

Ravens 1,157 0.5

Eagles 6,680 2.8

Vultures 24,600 10.3

Mountain lions, cougars, or pumas 11,500 4.8

Other predators 7,510 3.1

Unknown predators 29,680 12.4

Total 238,890 100.0

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.
60 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

0 20 40 60

Calves

Cattle

Eagles

Ravens

Black bears

Bobcats

or lynx

Foxes

Grizzly bears

Mountain lions,

cougars,

or pumas

Wolves

Vultures

Other

predators

Dogs

Unknown

predators

Coyotes

Percent

Predator

Percentage of cattle and calves death loss, by predator 

40.5

53.1

11.0

5.2

4.9

3.0

1.2

11.3

6.6

10.3

0.9

4.6

0.8

3.4

3.1

12.4

15.8

0.0

1.5

4.8

2.8

0.5

1.3

1.0
USDA APHIS VS / 61 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

On dairy operations, calf death loss attributed to coyotes comprised approximately 

70 percent of deaths due to predators, which is a higher percentage than found on beef 

operations on which coyote-related calf deaths accounted for about 50 percent of deaths 

due to predators. Beef operations reported a higher percentage of calf deaths due to 

vultures than dairy operations (10.5 and 4.0 percent, respectively). 

D.1.b. Percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by predator and by type of 

operation:

Percent Loss

Operation Type

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Predator Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Grizzly bears 0.7 (0.2) 4.0 (2.6) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Black bears 1.3 (0.3) 1.5 (1.1) 0.0 (—) 0.4 (0.3)

Bobcats or lynx 0.9 (0.3) 2.5 (2.3) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Coyotes 52.8 (2.1) 70.4 (4.9) 53.3 (7.7) 46.9 (13.6)

Dogs 6.6 (1.0) 5.0 (1.5) 13.9 (4.5) 3.4 (1.3)

Foxes (D) (D) (D) (D)

Wolves 3.3 (0.6) 4.7 (2.8) 18.5 (10.4) 0.0 (—)

Ravens (D) (D) (D) (D)

Eagles 2.9 (2.2) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—) 0.0 (—)

Vultures 10.5 (1.2) 4.0 (1.5) 6.3 (2.7) 8.5 (5.1)

Mountain lions, 

cougars, or pumas 

4.9 (0.6) 0.3 (0.2) 0.3 (0.3) 7.4 (6.1)

Other predators 3.2 (0.6) 1.0 (0.8) 0.0 (—) 2.6 (2.6)

Unknown predators 12.3 (1.6) 6.4 (2.2) 7.8 (3.7) 30.0 (13.3)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.
62 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

On beef operations, coyotes, unknown predators, and vultures accounted for the highest 

percentages of calf deaths due to predators (52.8, 12.3, and 10.5 percent, respectively). 

Deaths due to vultures accounted for higher proportions of calf deaths on smaller 

operations (10.3, 13.0, and 11.2 percent for operations with 1 to 49, 50 to 99, and 100 to 

499 head) than on the largest operations (3.0 percent). Size breakouts are not shown for 

dairy, mixed, and “other” operations because of low precision (large standard errors) for 

those estimates.

D.2.c. For beef operations, percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by predator 

and by size of operation:

Percent Loss

Size of Operation (number of cows)

1–49 50–99 100–499 500 or more

All 

operations

Predator Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Grizzly bears 0.0 (0.0) 0.4 (0.3) 1.3 (0.4) 2.5 (0.8) 0.7 (0.2)

Black bears 1.0 (0.5) 0.9 (0.5) 2.0 (0.6) 1.2 (0.4) 1.3 (0.3)

Bobcats or lynx 1.4 (0.7) 1.1 (0.5) 0.3 (0.2) 0.3 (0.2) 0.9 (0.3)

Coyotes 47.6 (4.1) 60.4 (3.7) 53.4 (2.8) 58.6 (5.1) 52.8 (2.1)

Dogs 7.7 (1.9) 6.4 (2.1) 6.3 (1.4) 3.2 (0.8) 6.6 (1.0)

Foxes (D) (D) (D) (D) (D)

Wolves 1.7 (0.6) 1.6 (0.6) 5.7 (1.4) 4.8 (0.9) 3.3 (0.6)

Ravens (D) (D) (D) (D) (D)

Eagles 6.1 (5.4) 0.7 (0.6) 1.0 (0.3) 0.5 (0.3) 2.9 (2.2)

Vultures 10.3 (2.0) 13.0 (3.2) 11.2 (2.0) 3.0 (0.8) 10.5 (1.2)

Mountain lions, 

cougars, or 

pumas 

2.9 (0.9) 7.6 (2.3) 4.7 (0.8) 9.6 (2.1) 4.9 (0.6)

Other predators 4.2 (1.3) 3.9 (1.4) 2.4 (0.7) 0.6 (0.2) 3.2 (0.6)

Unknown 

predators 16.8 (3.1) 3.9 (1.0) 10.9 (2.2) 14.7 (6.2) 12.3 (1.6)

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

(D)=Number suppressed to avoid potential disclosure of respondent.
USDA APHIS VS / 63 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

As was observed with predator-related deaths in cattle, coyotes accounted for the 

majority of death losses in calves due to predators. The percentage of predator-related 

calf deaths due to coyotes ranged from 20.7 percent in the Other States category to 

98.6 percent in South Dakota. As was the case in cattle, some deaths due to predators 

had regional similarities. For example, deaths due to predatory birds occurred primarily 

in the Southern and Central States, including Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, 

Tennessee, and Texas.

D.2.d. Percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by State and by predator:

Percent Loss 

Predator

State

Grizzly 

bears

Black 

bears

Bobcats 

or lynx Coyotes Dogs Foxes

AL 0.0 0.0 0.0 58.6 16.8 0.0

AZ 0.0 0.5 0.0 68.6 1.2 0.0

AR 1.81 2.5 0.1 41.6 13.5 0.0

CA 0.0 6.2 0.0 59.0 3.1 0.2

CO 5.51 19.8 0.0 63.6 2.7 0.0

FL 0.0 0.1 0.0 68.6 1.0 0.0

GA 0.0 0.0 0.0 66.0 5.3 0.0

ID 1.3 2.3 0.0 35.4 0.7 0.0

IL 0.0 0.0 4.8 70.3 8.7 0.0

IN 0.0 0.0 0.0 56.8 0.0 0.0

IA 0.0 0.0 0.0 54.7 3.8 0.0

KS 0.0 0.0 0.0 84.4 3.0 0.0

KY 0.0 0.0 0.0 41.4 1.7 0.0

LA 0.0 1.0 0.0 57.9 5.5 0.0

MI 0.0 0.0 0.0 53.3 0.0 0.0

MN 0.0 0.0 0.0 29.4 0.0 0.0

MS 0.0 3.0 3.0 53.6 5.9 0.0

MO 0.0 1.4 5.4 49.0 16.1 0.0

MT 11.5 1.5 0.0 41.5 0.0 0.1

NE 0.0 0.0 0.0 51.7 4.1 0.0

NV 4.11 4.1 0.0 55.8 4.1 0.0

New England2 0.0 17.3 0.0 49.7 0.0 0.0

continued→
64 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.2.d. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by State and by predator:

Percent Loss

Predator

State

Grizzly 

bears

Black

bears

Bobcats 

or lynx Coyotes Dogs Foxes

NM 0.0 1.2 0.0 49.5 12.9 0.2

NY 0.0 0.0 0.0 97.5 0.0 0.0

NC 0.0 0.0 0.0 75.5 10.2 0.0

ND 0.0 0.0 0.9 81.5 0.7 0.0

OH 0.0 0.0 0.0 81.5 0.0 0.0

OK 0.0 0.0 2.3 46.0 11.6 0.0

OR 0.0 5.5 0.0 32.1 0.4 0.0

PA 0.0 1.2 0.0 98.2 0.0 0.0

SC 0.0 0.0 5.9 67.2 4.0 0.0

SD 0.0 0.0 0.0 98.6 1.0 0.0

TN 0.0 0.0 0.0 48.2 15.3 0.0

TX 0.0 0.0 0.9 41.9 5.7 0.1

UT 0.0 7.3 0.0 75.0 0.2 0.0

VA 0.0 0.3 0.0 74.8 9.2 0.0

WA 0.0 6.3 0.0 63.0 0.0 0.0

WV 0.0 0.0 0.0 86.3 0.8 0.0

WI 3.1 6.1 3.2 37.6 0.0 0.0

WY 17.0 1.2 0.0 33.6 0.6 0.1

Other States3 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.7 59.4 0.0

United States 0.8 1.3 0.9 53.1 6.6 0.0

1

Grizzly bears are not known to occur in these States; therefore, these deaths were most likely due to black 

bears.

2

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

3

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 65 

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.2.d. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by State and by predator:

Percent Predator Death Loss in Calves

Predator

State Wolves

Predatory 

birds

Mountain 

lions

Other 

predators

Unknown 

predators Total

AL 0.0 11.3 0.6 1.7 11.0 100.0

AZ 2.2 0.5 19.4 0.0 7.7 100.0

AR 0.0 11.8 14.6 2.0 12.1 100.0

CA 0.0 2.4 18.7 2.7 7.8 100.0

CO 0.0 1.7 5.3 0.0 1.4 100.0

FL 0.0 9.6 5.2 10.1 5.4 100.0

GA 0.0 16.6 0.0 2.0 10.2 100.0

ID 34.4 1.6 3.2 1.0 20.2 100.0

IL 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.0 14.7 100.0

IN 0.0 42.0 0.8 0.0 0.5 100.0

IA 0.0 8.7 0.0 0.0 32.8 100.0

KS 0.0 0.0 7.0 0.0 5.5 100.0

KY 0.0 42.1 0.0 11.1 3.8 100.0

LA 0.0 12.4 2.5 15.3 5.4 100.0

MI 39.8 5.7 0.0 0.0 1.2 100.0

MN 43.8 2.1 0.0 0.0 24.8 100.0

MS 0.0 18.9 0.0 8.3 7.4 100.0

MO 0.3 3.5 11.9 0.0 12.4 100.0

MT 12.8 4.7 2.5 0.0 25.4 100.0

NE 0.0 0.1 3.5 3.2 37.4 100.0

NV 5.0 9.9 16.4 0.5 0.0 100.0

New England1 1.8 0.0 0.0 9.1 22.2 100.0

continued→
66 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossD. Cattle and Calves Death Loss Due to Predators, 2015

D.2.d. (cont’d.) Percentage of calf death loss due to predators, by State and by predator:

Percent Predator Death Loss in Calves

Predator

State Wolves

Predatory 

birds

Mountain 

lions

Other 

predators

Unknown 

predators Total

NM 6.2 2.8 16.3 1.4 9.6 100.0

NY 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 100.0

NC 0.0 9.3 0.0 5.0 0.0 100.0

ND 3.0 0.0 4.0 0.0 10.0 100.0

OH 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 16.5 100.0

OK 0.0 6.9 7.8 3.4 21.9 100.0

OR 19.0 0.6 12.6 0.2 29.6 100.0

PA 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0

SC 0.0 15.1 5.7 0.0 2.1 100.0

SD 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 100.0

TN 0.0 30.2 0.0 4.6 1.7 100.0

TX 0.2 34.1 0.4 4.5 12.2 100.0

UT 0.0 0.0 9.4 0.0 8.0 100.0

VA 0.0 7.1 0.0 0.2 8.5 100.0

WA 5.0 0.0 18.3 0.0 7.4 100.0

WV 0.0 2.8 0.0 0.0 10.1 100.0

WI 28.9 0.7 7.3 0.3 12.1 100.0

WY 16.8 5.0 6.9 0.1 18.7 100.0

Other States2 0.0 10.1 0.0 5.7 4.2 100.0

United States 3.4 13.6 4.8 3.1 12.4 100.0

1

Ravens, eagles, and vultures. Vultures are scavengers, not predators, but are combined with predatory birds 

for convenience.

2

Mountain lions, cougars, or pumas.

3

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

4

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 67 

Section II: Death LossE. Number of Cattle and Calves Injured but not Killed by Predators

This section provides estimates of the number of cattle and calves that were injured 

but not killed by predators. Incidence of injuries attributed to predators can be a proxy 

measurement of predator risk or can provide a measurement for the efficacy of predator 

mitigation measures. This information was captured at the operation level, without 

specificity to the type of injury incurred. 

Approximately 1 per every 3,300 cattle and approximately 1 per 1,000 calves born were 

injured but not killed by predators. The ratio of injuries to inventory tended to be greater 

on beef and mixed operations than on dairy operations. 

E.1. Number and ratio per 1,000 head of cattle and calves injured but not killed by 

predators, by type of operation: 

Cattle Calves

Operation type Number

Per 

1,000 head Number

Per 1,000 

calves born

Beef 17,357 0.3 27,212 1.0

Dairy 2,635 0.2 1,811 0.3

Mixed 866 0.7 546 0.9

Other 1,479 0.1 4,522 *

Total 22,337 0.3 34,092 1.0

*Not reported because “other” operations (e.g., feedlots or stockers) generally have few or no calves born.

E. Number 

of Cattle and 

Calves Injured 

but not Killed by 

Predators
68 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossE. Number of Cattle and Calves Injured but not Killed by Predators

In 2015, the value of cattle and calves injured but not killed by predators exceeded 

$52 million. This amount is predicated on the assumption that injured cattle or calves had 

no value after the injury.

E.2. Value of cattle and calves injured but not killed by predators,* by State:

Value ($1,000)

State Cattle Calves Total

AL 1,049 414 1,463

AZ 533 195 728

AR 405 786 1,192

CA 550 571 1,121

CO 303 59 361

FL 1,138 412 1,550

GA 519 601 1,119

ID 143 229 372

IL 273 405 678

IN 261 79 340

IA 916 417 1,333

KS 1,874 624 2,497

KY 2,495 1,041 3,536

LA 585 296 882

MI 14 0 14

MN 380 197 576

MS 504 588 1,092

MO 1,085 563 1,648

MT 196 27 223

NE 1,607 811 2,418

NV 59 12 71

New England1 453 43 495

continued→
USDA APHIS VS / 69 

Section II: Death LossE. Number of Cattle and Calves Injured but not Killed by Predators

E.2. (cont’d.) Value of cattle and calves injured but not killed by predators,* by State:

Value ($1,000)

State Cattle Calves Total

NM 290 274 564

NY 271 44 315

NC 113 21 135

ND 103 46 148

OH 549 145 695

OK 2,840 1,484 4,324

OR 1,864 340 2,204

PA 893 119 1,012

SC 258 265 522

SD 1,043 125 1,168

TN 846 2,537 3,382

TX 7,102 2,598 9,699

UT 96 143 239

VA 1,237 460 1,697

WA 119 155 274

WV 136 6 142

WI 1,435 313 1,748

WY 235 86 321

Other States2 71 2 72

United States 34,842 17,531 52,373

*Based on values of cattle and calves on January 1, 2016, as reported by producers on the same survey. 

Producers were asked for the average value per head, by type of cattle. The value of deaths was calculated as 

the number of injuries times the average value.

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
70 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

There can be restrictions on the use of lethal methods to control or otherwise mitigate 

losses due to predators. In this section, reported use of nonlethal methods used to 

control or mitigate cattle or calf death losses by predators are summarized by year, 

operation type, and State. The cost of implementing both lethal and nonlethal predator 

control measures are summarized as well.

From 2000 through 2015, the estimated percentage of operations that employed 

nonlethal predator control methods increased approximately six-fold, from 3.1 percent 

in 2000 to 19.0 percent in 2015. Of the methods listed, guard animals composed the 

majority of the nonlethal methods used (8.3 percent), followed by fencing (6.1 percent). 

F.1. Percentage of operations by nonlethal predator control method(s) used, and by year:

Percent Operations

2000 2005 2010 2015

Method Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Guard animals 1.1 (0.1) 2.9 (0.2) 4.1 (0.2) 8.3 (0.5)

Fencing 1.1 (0.1) 2.5 (0.2) 3.8 (0.2) 6.1 (0.4)

Herding 0.2 (0.0) 0.3 (0.1) 0.6 (0.1) 1.4 (0.3)

Night penning 0.3 (0.0) 0.5 (0.1) 0.8 (0.1) 1.3 (0.2)

Fright tactics 0.2 (0.2) 0.2 (0.0) 0.3 (0.1) 0.4 (0.1)

Livestock 

carcass removal 0.8 (0.1) 1.3 (0.1) 2.5 (0.1) 4.3 (0.3)

Culling older cattle to 

prevent death loss — 1.6 (0.1) 3.0 (0.2) 4.3 (0.3)

Frequent checks in high 

predation areas/seasons — 1.8 (0.1) 3.7 (0.3) 4.8 (0.3)

Other nonlethal 0.3 (0.1) 0.5 (0.1) 0.8 (0.1) 1.3 (0.2)

Any method 3.1 (0.2) 7.5 (0.3) 11.3 (0.4) 19.0 (0.7)

F. Nonlethal 

Methods Used 

to Control 

Predators
USDA APHIS VS / 71 

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

A higher percentage of beef operations used nonlethal predator control methods than 

“other” operations. 

F.2. Percentage of operations that used any nonlethal predator control methods, by type 

of operation:

Operation type Percent operations Std. error

Beef 20.3 (0.8)

Dairy 13.9 (2.4)

Mixed 19.2 (4.1)

Other 11.9 (1.6)

Total 19.0 (0.7)
72 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

F.3. Percentage of operations by nonlethal predator control method(s) used and by type 

of operation:

Percent Operations

Beef Dairy Mixed Other

Method Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error Pct.

Std. 

error

Guard animals 8.8 (0.6) 6.9 (2.3) 7.7 (3.5) 5.4 (1.2)

Fencing 6.2 (0.5) 5.6 (1.6) 8.3 (3.5) 6.0 (1.2)

Herding 1.5 (0.3) 0.7 (0.2) 1.0 (0.4) 1.0 (0.5)

Night penning 1.1 (0.3) 3.3 (1.4) 4.6 (2.1) 1.8 (0.6)

Fright tactics 0.5 (0.1) 0.1 (0.0) 0.2 (0.1) 0.2 (0.2)

Livestock carcass 

removal 4.8 (0.3) 3.1 (0.5) 9.4 (3.3) 1.8 (0.7)

Culling older cattle to 

prevent death loss 4.9 (0.4) 3.9 (0.6) 7.7 (1.8) 0.4 (0.2)

Frequent checks in high 

predation areas/seasons 5.5 (0.4) 2.6 (1.3) 8.7 (3.5) 0.7 (0.3)

Other nonlethal 1.5 (0.2) 0.2 (0.1) 0.7 (0.7) 0.3 (0.2)

Any method 20.3 (0.8) 13.9 (2.4) 19.2 (4.1) 11.9 (1.6)
USDA APHIS VS / 73 

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

The percentage of operations that used any nonlethal predator control method ranged 

from about 7 percent in Pennsylvania to about 30 percent in Georgia, New Mexico, 

South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Interestingly, Pennsylvania also had the lowest 

percentage of operations with any cattle or calf deaths due to predators, although this 

does not imply a causal relationship. 

F.4. Percentage of operations that had any cattle or calf deaths due to predators and 

percentage of operations that used any nonlethal predator control methods, by State:

State

Percent 

operations with 

any cattle or calf 

deaths Std. error

Percent 

operations 

that used 

any nonlethal 

predator control 

methods Std. error

AL 15.3 (2.4) 22.7 (3.0)

AZ 13.8 (3.7) 10.4 (3.2)

AR 11.8 (2.1) 20.2 (2.9)

CA 12.9 (2.2) 21.1 (5.7)

CO 10.6 (2.8) 14.9 (3.8)

FL 12.7 (2.4) 19.7 (3.7)

GA 15.7 (3.0) 30.7 (4.1)

ID 6.1 (1.5) 10.1 (3.2)

IL 5.3 (1.8) 16.4 (3.3)

IN 5.4 (2.1) 18.1 (3.2)

IA 4.3 (1.1) 9.6 (2.0)

KS 5.7 (1.1) 7.3 (2.0)

KY 10.9 (1.6) 22.2 (2.6)

LA 11.8 (2.3) 21.0 (3.7)

MI 2.5 (1.5) 20.7 (5.5)

MN 4.5 (1.0) 12.6 (3.1)

MS 12.4 (2.2) 21.3 (3.2)

MO 7.2 (1.2) 18.8 (2.6)

MT 10.6 (1.8) 14.5 (2.5)

NE 7.5 (1.5) 8.7 (1.6)

NV 12.1 (3.4) 17.1 (7.4)

New England1 5.6 (1.7) 19.0 (4.0)

continued→
74 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

F.4. (cont’d.) Percentage of operations that had any cattle or calf deaths due to predators 

and percentage of operations that used any nonlethal predator control methods, by State:

State

Percent 

operations with 

any cattle or 

calf deaths Std. error

Percent 

operations 

that used 

any nonlethal 

predator 

control 

methods Std. error

NM 15.9 (3.6) 34.4 (11.0)

NY 4.7 (1.8) 27.7 (7.3)

NC 5.7 (1.8) 22.8 (4.9)

ND 17.9 (2.6) 11.6 (2.6)

OH 5.4 (1.5) 24.2 (5.7)

OK 17.3 (2.8) 18.2 (4.6)

OR 5.9 (1.4) 23.4 (8.0)

PA 1.6 (0.7) 6.9 (1.3)

SC 18.7 (4.6) 29.6 (6.4)

SD 13.3 (2.3) 11.2 (2.6)

TN 9.9 (1.5) 29.0 (3.1)

TX 10.6 (1.3) 19.3 (2.2)

UT 9.5 (3.0) 9.7 (3.7)

VA 15.6 (3.2) 28.9 (4.4)

WA 2.9 (0.7) 19.9 (7.0)

WV 2.5 (1.5) 23.5 (4.4)

WI 3.9 (1.0) 11.0 (2.1)

WY 10.3 (2.0) 14.0 (2.6)

Other States2 5.2 (2.2) 43.7 (12.2)

United States 9.3 (0.4) 19.0 (0.7)

1

New England includes CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. 

2

Other States include AK, DE, HI, MD, and NJ.
USDA APHIS VS / 75 

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

For operations that used any nonlethal predator control methods, the highest 

percentages used guard animals (26.3 percent), fencing (15.5 percent), other nonlethal 

method (5.1 percent), or frequent checks in high predation areas/seasons (5.1 percent). 

The two most commonly used combinations of two or more methods were guard animals/

fencing (4.1 percent of operations) and livestock carcass removal/ culling older cattle 

4.1 percent). 

F.5. For operations that used any nonlethal predator control methods, percentage of 

operations that used specific combinations of methods in 2015 for the 15 most used 

methods or combinations of methods:

Rank Method or method combination

Percent 

operations Std. error

1 Guard animals only 26.3 (2.0)

2 Fencing only 15.5 (1.5)

3 Other nonlethal method only 5.1 (0.8)

4 Frequent checks only 5.1 (0.7)

5 Guard animals

Fencing 4.1 (0.9)

6 Livestock carcass removal

Culling older cattle 4.1 (0.6)

7 Livestock carcass removal only 3.7 (0.9)

8

Livestock carcass removal

Culling older cattle 

Frequent checks 

3.0 (0.4)

9 Culling older cattle only 2.6 (0.4)

10 Guard animals

Frequent checks 1.5 (0.6)

11 Culling older cattle 

Frequent checks 1.5 (0.3)

12 Herding only 1.4 (0.6)

13

Guard animals

Livestock carcass removal

Culling older cattle 

Frequent checks 

1.2 (0.3)

14

Fencing

Livestock carcass removal

Culling older cattle 

Frequent checks 

1.1 (0.3)

15

Livestock carcass removal

Frequent checks in high predation 

areas/seasons

1.1 (0.3)

All other nonlethal predator control 

method combinations 22.7 (1.7)

Total 100.0
76 / Cattle Death Loss 2015

Section II: Death LossF. Nonlethal Methods Used to Control Predators

On average, approximately 4.0 percent of operations spent any money on nonlethal 

predator control methods, and 6.2 percent spent any money on lethal predator control 

methods. More beef operations spent money on lethal predator control methods 

(7.1 percent) than dairy operations (2.8 percent). 

F.6. Percentage of operations that spent any money on nonlethal or lethal predator 

control methods in 2015, by type of operation:

Percent Operations

Operation Type

Predator control 

method Beef Dairy Mixed Other Total

Nonlethal 4.5 (0.5) 3.6 (1.5) 5.2 (3.1) 1.1 (0.4) 4.0 (0.4)

Lethal 7.1 (0.4) 2.8 (0.6) 8.3 (3.2) 1.8 (0.4) 6.2 (0.3)

For operations that spent any money on nonlethal predator control methods, the average 

amount of money spent was nearly $3,000. Dairy operations spent less ($709) than any 

of the other operation types. For operations that spent any money on lethal methods, the 

average amount spent was about $300.

F.7. For operations that spent any money on nonlethal or lethal predator control methods, 

average amount of money spent during 2015, by type of operation:

Average Amount ($)

Operation Type

Predator control 

method Beef Dairy Mixed Other Total

Nonlethal 3,100 709 1,848 2,999 2,962

Lethal 310 177 366 201 303
USDA APHIS VS / 77 

Section III: Methodology

1. Survey procedures

A random sample of U.S. producers was surveyed to provide data for these estimates. 

Procedures ensured that all cattle producers, regardless of size, had a chance to be 

included in the study. Large operations were sampled more heavily than small operations. 

Data were collected from about 37,900 operators during the first half of January by mail, 

telephone, and face-to-face personal interviews, and 68 percent of the reports were 

usable (respondent provided inventory information; either zero or positive number on 

hand).

Information from previous NASS studies included data collected in NASS’ annual Cattle 

surveys. For these surveys, information on cattle and calf inventory on January 1 in 1992, 

1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011, and information on cattle and calf death loss was collected 

during the years 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010. The number of producers for which 

information was collected was approximately 77,000 in 1991, 50,000 in 1996, 50,000 in 

2001, 50,000 in 2006, and 40,000 in 2011. 

Inventory information was reported in NASS’ Cattle reports in the years 1992, 1996, 

2001, 2006, and 2011. Aggregate death loss information was reported in NASS’ “Meat 

Animal Production Disposition, and Income” reports released in April 1992, 1996, 2001, 

2006, 2010, and 2016. Death loss information was also released, with breakouts by 

cause in NASS’ “Cattle and Calves Death Loss” reports released in May 1992, 1996, 

2006, and 2011, and in NASS’ “Cattle Predator Loss” report issued in May 2001. Note 

that in the past, Alaska was the only State not presented an opportunity to participate in 

the surveys.

2. Estimation procedures

The data were weighted to allow inference to the population of all U.S. cattle operations 

on the NASS list and area frames, which is a proxy population for all cattle operations in 

the United States. Weights are constructed to be the inverse of the probability of selection 

(with probabilities being approximately proportional to stratum size), with adjustments for 

nonresponse within State and operation size strata. Weight quality is assessed in several 

ways, one of which is ensuring that weighted sample totals equal published population 

totals (of cattle and calf inventory or aggregate cattle and calf death losses, for example). 

For estimates generated by NAHMS, SAS (SAS Institute, version 9.4) and SAS-called 

SUDAAN software (Research Triangle Institute, version 11.0.1) was used. Standard 

errors, where shown, account for the stratified study design with unequal weights. 

 

Section III: Methodology