Study on Virtual Fencing for Cattle Management
Study on Virtual Fencing for Cattle Management
Learning objective
Lesson duration is: 4 minItems in this lesson
Study on Virtual Fencing for Cattle Management
Learning objective
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson you will understand the effectiveness of virtual fencing in protecting environmentally sensitive areas. At the end of the lesson you will be able to describe the methodology used to test virtual fencing with cattle. At the end of the lesson you will be able to analyse the data collection methods used in the study. At the end of the lesson you will be able to evaluate the conclusions and recommendations provided by the study.
What do you already know about virtual fencing?
Purpose and Location of the Study
Test virtual fencing effectiveness in South Australia. Focus on 14-hectare paddock with young trees.
Cattle and Tools Used in the Study
Twenty Santa Gertrudis heifers. Utilised eShepherd® virtual fencing neckbands.
Methodology
Cattle trained with a straight virtual fence. Introduced to complex fence lines. Safety monitored by observers.
Data Collection Methods
Used GPS neckbands for tracking. Leg sensors monitored behaviour. Pasture samples collected for analysis.
Presentation and Analysis of Data
Cattle kept out of sensitive area 99.8% of the time. Audio cues effective 74.5% of the time.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Higher quality and quantity of pasture in protected zone. Suggestions for technical improvements to neckbands. Further trials recommended.
Definitions
Virtual fencing: A method using GPS and audio/electric cues to contain livestock within a designated area without physical barriers. eShepherd® neckbands: GPS-enabled devices worn by cattle to deliver audio and electric cues. Pasture samples: Samples of grass collected to measure biomass and quality in terms of digestibility and protein. Heat maps: Visual representations showing the intensity of cattle movement based on GPS data. Exclusion zone:
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