Virtual fencing systems for grazing livestock: impacts on welfare and production issues

What is it about?

Virtual fencing systems are having very rapid uptake. They combine a sat-nav GPS unit with sophisticated software that combines warning alerts to the animal with a low level electric shock if the animal chooses to breach the virtual fencing, warning line. Animals quickly learn how the system works and use the sound alerts to avoid the shock. But systems also supply 'live' data to the stock manager on location and behaviour. Its far from a simple replacement of standard wire or electric fences, allowing flexible fencing for grass management and livestock safety reasons. The article fuses together a review of scientific research with early adopter experiences for the different systems being developed around the world.

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Why is it important?

Whilst lots of scientific work on the developing systems, and useful information on the developers website etc, this article also covers many of the real-life farming situations where virtual fencing has started to play a role. It also covers virtual herding where movement of stock between grazing areas or mustering for handling or daily milking is managed by the technology. The scientific community have barely touched this latter area.