Study on Virtual Fencing for Cattle Management

• newEditor
• Agriculture
• Secondary Education

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:

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.