Virtual fencing is a new technology that replaces the need for ground-based physical fences to control and confine animals. It consists of a collar with GPS capabilities, an audio-reactive cue and an electric pulse which is triggered by the animal’s approach to the ‘virtual fence line’ (the boundary of the fenced area). Animals are trained to associate the audio cue with the electrical pulse so that they avoid receiving the shock by responding to the acoustic signal, which increases in intensity over time. The system shuts down in a failsafe manner if an animal fails to respond, to prevent unnecessary stress to the animal.
Innovative Solutions for Fence and Animal Management
The Fence Fast is most commonly used to contain cattle on farms, ranches and training areas, although it can also be used for small ruminants like sheep and goats or to keep domestic dogs from wandering onto farm land. It is also an effective way to deter rabbits from gardens and crop fields, providing a highly visible deterrent that discourages the pests from grazing on crops and plants. Portable electric fences are easy to transport, assemble and take down making them ideal for short-term control of livestock in fields or training areas.
Herding and mustering procedures are often labour intensive, time-consuming and expensive, so virtual herding adds another tool to the livestock manager’s toolbox for managing and controlling animals. A virtual herding system, eShepherd, is being developed for cattle and can remotely gather animals using a collar that delivers audio, vibration and electrical stimulus cues to encourage them to stay in defined boundaries. However, this type of virtual fencing is still being tested and research is needed on how the system will impact animal welfare in practice. If the system is successful, it could potentially reduce the need for costly herding and mustering procedures, thus increasing efficiencies in livestock production.
