Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conferences
Date of this Version
September 1989
Abstract
Tartrazine was examined as a possible replacement marker for rhodamine B in the Livestock Protection Collar. Test solutions were formulated in six combinations; tartrazine at 0.5% and 1.07. concentrations, with and without compound 1080, and with and without nigrosin black. Each solution was examined for persistence of color in the laboratory and when applied to the wool of dried sheep hide. Hide pieces were allowed to weather naturally or were sprinkled to simulate rain. Tartrazine alone was also tested at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% on the necks of sheep. Over a 3—month period, no fading was noted in the laboratory for any test solution. When applied to wool, no loss of color was attributed to 1080 or nigrosin black and no long-term advantage was detected for a 1.0% over a 0.5% tartrazine solution, except on the sprinkled pieces. Tartrazine usually provided an identifiable mark on the wool of dried hides and on live sheep for 1 to 2+ months, depending on test conditions. Tartrazine is an acceptable replacement for rhodamine B in the Livestock Protection Collar.