Starling Control Report

In our recent DairyCo funded study, starlings have been found to cost Somerset dairy farmers an average of 3ppl on every litre produced over the 90 day winter period when farm infestations are at their peak. Our study set out to assess the impact of starling infestations on dairy farms around the Somerset Levels, which host up to 9 million overwintering starlings. The aim was to assess the cost of the loss of feed from infestations and the potential effectiveness of control measures that could reduce the impact. A range of assessments were made on a number of farms including starling behavioural studies to determine why farms, particular feeds and feeding opportunities are attractive to starlings. The potential for and the cost of implementing control measures will vary but some control should be possible on all.

Issued November 2013