1
|
Fuchs P, Stachowicz J, Schneider MK, Probo M, Bruckmaier RM, Umstätter C. Stress indicators in dairy cows adapting to virtual fencing. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae024. [PMID: 38271563 PMCID: PMC10889741 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtual fencing (VF) enables livestock grazing without physical fences by conditioning animals to a virtual boundary delimited with an audio tone (AT) and an electric pulse (EP). The present study followed the adaptation process of lactating dairy cows to a VF system with changing virtual boundaries and investigated its impact on animal welfare. Twenty cows were divided into stratified groups (2× VF; 2× electric fencing, EF) of five individuals. Each group grazed half-days in a separate EF paddock of comparable size during 3 d of acclimation (P0), followed by 21, 14, 14, and 7 d of experimental treatment (P1 to P4). At the start of the trial, all cows were equipped with an IceQube pedometer (Peacock Technology Ltd, Stirling, UK) and a VF collar (Nofence AS, Batnfjordsøra, Norway). During P0, cows were accustomed to their first paddock with a deactivated virtual boundary and wearing the sensors. In P1 to P4, an active virtual boundary for the VF groups, and a second EF for the EF groups was set up parallel to an outer EF within their paddock. Throughout the trial, the sensors continuously tracked cow positions and activity behavior at 15-min intervals. From P1 onwards, the VF collars additionally recorded each AT and EP per cow with a georeferenced time stamp. During P0 to P4, daily feed intake, body weight, and milk yield were recorded in the barn. A total of 26 milk samples were collected per cow to determine milk cortisol levels. Behavioral observations were conducted for 2 h on day 23 to record agonistic behaviors, vocalizations, and excretions. The total number of stimuli per cow ranged from 37 to 225 ATs (mean ± SD: 1.9 ± 3.3 per day) and 3 to 11 EPs (mean ± SD: 0.1 ± 0.7 per day) throughout the trial. The maximum number of EPs per day was 8 for an individual cow and occurred once on D1. Mean EP/AT decreased by 55% during the first three half-days of grazing and with each paddock change from 0.2 EP/AT in week 1 to 0.03, 0.02, and 0 EP/AT in weeks 4, 6, and 8, respectively. Linear and generalized mixed effects models revealed that milk yield and cortisol, feed intake, body weight, and activity and lying behavior did not significantly differ between VF and EF groups. A higher number of agonistic behaviors were observed in the VF groups when the VF system was activated. However, due to the short observation periods only few contacts were observed in total. Overall, all cows adapted to the VF system without evidence of lasting adverse effects on animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Fuchs
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Grazing Systems, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Stachowicz
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Institute of Agricultural Technology, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manuel K Schneider
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Forage Production and Grassland Systems, 8046 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Massimiliano Probo
- Agroscope, Research Division Animal Production Systems and Animal Health, Grazing Systems, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Department of Clinical Research and Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Umstätter
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute, Institute of Agricultural Technology, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Campbell DLM, Belson S, Lea JM, Ouzman J, Lee C, Kalinowski T, Mowat D, Llewellyn RS. Automated Virtual Fencing Can Effectively Contain Sheep: Field Trials and Prospects. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040619. [PMID: 36830406 PMCID: PMC9951726 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtual fencing technology uses on-animal devices to communicate boundaries via a warning audio tone and electrical pulse signals. There is currently limited validation work on sheep. This study used modified cattle eShepherd® virtual fencing neckbands on reduced-wool sheep with clipped necks to enable automated trials with small groups across both day and night. The first 5-day trial with six Dorper crossbred sheep was conducted in an experimental paddock setting, with a second 5-day trial conducted with 10 Ultra White sheep on a commercial farm. The animals across both trials were contained in the inclusion zone for 99.8% and 92.2% of the trial period, with a mean percentage (±SD) of total audio cues as audio only (i.e., not followed by an electrical pulse) being 74.9% ± 4.6 in the first trial, and 83.3% ± 20.6 for the second trial. In the second trial, sheep crossed over into the exclusion zone on the third night and remained there until they were walked out for their daily yard check in the morning. These preliminary trial results are promising for the use of automated technology on sheep, but suitable devices and algorithms still need to be designed specifically for sheep in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Sue Belson
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Jim M. Lea
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Jackie Ouzman
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (R.S.L.)
| | - Troy Kalinowski
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Damian Mowat
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
| | - Rick S. Llewellyn
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (R.S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cabral de Mel SJ, Seneweera S, de Mel RK, Dangolla A, Weerakoon DK, Maraseni T, Allen BL. Current and Future Approaches to Mitigate Conflict between Humans and Asian Elephants: The Potential Use of Aversive Geofencing Devices. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212965. [PMID: 36359089 PMCID: PMC9653792 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conflict between humans and Asian elephants is a major conservation issue. Here we discuss common tools used to manage human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Asia and the potential of animal-borne satellite-linked shock collars or Aversive Geofencing Devices (AGDs) for managing problem elephants. Most current HEC mitigation tools lack the ability to be modified to accommodate needs of elephants and therefore are sometimes unsuccessful. AGDs currently used to manage livestock movement can be adapted to mitigate HEC to overcome this problem. AGDs can constantly monitor animal movements and be programmed to deliver sound warnings followed by electric shock whenever animals attempt to move across virtual boundaries demarcated by managers. Elephants fitted with AGDs are expected to learn to avoid the electric shock by associating it with the warning sound and move away from specified areas. Based on the potential shown by studies conducted using AGDs on other wild species, we suggest that experiments should be conducted with captive elephants to determine the efficacy and welfare impact of AGDs on elephants. Further, assessing public opinion on using AGDs on elephants will also be important. If elephants can learn to avoid virtual boundaries set by AGDs, it could help to significantly reduce HEC incidents. Abstract Asian elephants are a principal cause of human-wildlife conflict. This results in the death/injury of elephants and humans and large-scale crop and property damage. Most current human-elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation tools lack the flexibility to accommodate the ecological needs of elephants and are ineffective at reducing HEC in the long-term. Here we review common HEC mitigation tools used in Asia and the potential of Aversive Geofencing Devices (AGDs) to manage problem elephants. AGDs can be configured to monitor animal movements in real-time and deliver auditory warnings followed by electric stimuli whenever animals attempt to move across user-specified virtual boundaries. Thus, AGDs are expected to condition elephants to avoid receiving shocks and keep them away from virtually fenced areas, while providing alternative routes that can be modified if required. Studies conducted using AGDs with other species provide an overview of their potential in conditioning wild animals. We recommend that the efficacy and welfare impact of AGDs be evaluated using captive elephants along with public perception of using AGDs on elephants as a means of addressing the inherent deficiencies of common HEC mitigation tools. If elephants could be successfully conditioned to avoid virtual fences, then AGDs could resolve many HEC incidents throughout Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surendranie Judith Cabral de Mel
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
- Correspondence:
| | - Saman Seneweera
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ruvinda Kasun de Mel
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Ashoka Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Devaka Keerthi Weerakoon
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Tek Maraseni
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Benjamin Lee Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6034, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Atkinson L, Doyle RE, Woodward A, Jongman EC. Behavioural reactivity testing in sheep indicates the presence of multiple temperament traits. Behav Processes 2022; 201:104711. [PMID: 35872160 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Temperament in sheep is commonly presented as unidimensional, with a 'nervous' temperament indicative of fear and reactivity towards humans and novel environments. However, temperament is multidimensional, with some traits expressed only under certain conditions (context-specific). There is evidence that a common temperament test in sheep, the isolation-box (IB), measures level of activity and not fearfulness as intended, and that behaviours measured in the IB test are indicative of different traits. To investigate this, 16 behavioural responses to a human, to being startled, and to confinement (IB test) were measured in 89 lambs, twice, three months apart. Our results agree with previous studies that vocalisations in all tests and locomotion in two, show high repeatability over time. A principal component analysis identified that vocalisations are domain-general, and are indicative of the trait 'sociability', however locomotion is context-specific' and captures the traits 'exploration-avoidance', 'boldness-shyness' and 'general activity'. A cluster analysis identified four behavioural profiles that indicate the trait 'boldness-shyness' captures reactivity towards humans. This suggests the IB test, which measures 'general activity', is unsuitable for measuring reactivity towards humans in sheep, and that when studying the impact of temperament on other factors, multiple conditions should be used when identify temperament traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Atkinson
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Rebecca E Doyle
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Woodward
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellen C Jongman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Keshavarzi H, Lee C, Dyall T, Johnson M, Abbott D, Belson S, Ni W, Campbell DLM. Using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Devices to Show a Limited Effect of Boldness and Fearfulness on Social Proximity in Sheep Grazing at Pasture. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.872132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sheep are gregarious animals that can form close inter-individual relationships. Social bonds are affected by environmental and within-animal factors, but there is limited understanding of individual factors that influence social relationships, in part due to the challenges of accurately measuring individual social proximity within a group. This study used geospatially precise RTK-GNSS localization devices (Real-Time-Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System) to evaluate social proximity between individuals with different personality traits in small sheep flocks. First, unsupervised clustering algorithms were used to categorize 78 individual Merino sheep (from a research flock of 108 grazed together for 11 months prior) based on their behavior measured in four behavioral tests: arena, novel object, flight speed, and isolation box. Sixty-five sheep were then categorized into five cohorts of 13 individuals each (clustered into three bold, six bold/fearful, and four fearful animals per cohort). Bold/fearful animals were bold toward a novel object but fearful of a human. Sheep within a single cohort were released into a 0.70 Ha test paddock with RTK-GNSS devices attached to their backs for 3 days to monitor relative positions. All cohorts were tested sequentially over a 5-week period. Social network analyses of GNSS locational data with a distance threshold of up to 30 m for all cohorts together showed no significant effect of personality traits (P = 0.11). There were, however, some significant but inconsistent differences in distances based on personality traits within separate cohorts [i.e., cohorts 1, 3, 4 (P ≤ 0.02), cohorts 2, 5 (P ≥ 0.44)]. When GNSS locational data were analyzed with a distance threshold of up to 2 m (day 2 excluded from all cohorts due to missing values), there was a significant effect of personality traits (P = 0.01) across all cohorts combined. The bold animals showed greater distances from each other relative to their distances from fearful or bold/fearful individuals. Additionally, regardless of personality traits, the average distance between animals decreased 2.2 m over the 3 test days. Social interactions in sheep flocks may be influenced by personality traits of fearfulness and boldness, but further research with larger numbers of sheep across varying environments is needed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Menendez HM, Brennan JR, Gaillard C, Ehlert K, Quintana J, Neethirajan S, Remus A, Jacobs M, Teixeira IAMA, Turner BL, Tedeschi LO. ASAS-NANP SYMPOSIUM: MATHEMATICAL MODELING IN ANIMAL NUTRITION: Opportunities and Challenges of Confined and Extensive Precision Livestock Production. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6577180. [PMID: 35511692 PMCID: PMC9171331 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern animal scientists, industry, and managers have never faced a more complex world. Precision livestock technologies have altered management in confined operations to meet production, environmental, and consumer goals. Applications of precision technologies have been limited in extensive systems such as rangelands due to lack of infrastructure, electrical power, communication, and durability. However, advancements in technology have helped to overcome many of these challenges. Investment in precision technologies is growing within the livestock sector, requiring the need to assess opportunities and challenges associated with implementation to enhance livestock production systems. In this review, precision livestock farming and digital livestock farming are explained in the context of a logical and iterative five-step process to successfully integrate precision livestock measurement and management tools, emphasizing the need for precision system models (PSMs). This five-step process acts as a guide to realize anticipated benefits from precision technologies and avoid unintended consequences. Consequently, the synthesis of precision livestock and modeling examples and key case studies help highlight past challenges and current opportunities within confined and extensive systems. Successfully developing PSM requires appropriate model(s) selection that aligns with desired management goals and precision technology capabilities. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the entire system to ensure that precision technology integration achieves desired goals while remaining economically and managerially sustainable. Achieving long-term success using precision technology requires the next generation of animal scientists to obtain additional skills to keep up with the rapid pace of technology innovation. Building workforce capacity and synergistic relationships between research, industry, and managers will be critical. As the process of precision technology adoption continues in more challenging and harsh, extensive systems, it is likely that confined operations will benefit from required advances in precision technology and PSMs, ultimately strengthening the benefits from precision technology to achieve short- and long-term goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Menendez
- Department of Animal Science (Menendez, Brennan, Quintana); Department of Natural Resource Management (Ehlert); South Dakota State University, 711 N. Creek Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702, USA
| | - J R Brennan
- Department of Animal Science (Menendez, Brennan, Quintana); Department of Natural Resource Management (Ehlert); South Dakota State University, 711 N. Creek Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702, USA
| | - C Gaillard
- Institut Agro, PEGASE, INRAE, 35590 Saint Gilles, France
| | - K Ehlert
- Department of Animal Science (Menendez, Brennan, Quintana); Department of Natural Resource Management (Ehlert); South Dakota State University, 711 N. Creek Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702, USA
| | - J Quintana
- Department of Animal Science (Menendez, Brennan, Quintana); Department of Natural Resource Management (Ehlert); South Dakota State University, 711 N. Creek Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702, USA
| | - Suresh Neethirajan
- Farmworx, Adaptation Physiology, Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University, 6700 AH, The Netherlands
| | - A Remus
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1Z3, Canada
| | - M Jacobs
- FR Analytics B.V., 7642 AP Wierden, The Netherlands
| | - I A M A Teixeira
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
| | - B L Turner
- Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Science, and King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd MSC 228, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - L O Tedeschi
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aaser MF, Staahltoft SK, Korsgaard AH, Trige-Esbensen A, Alstrup AKO, Sonne C, Pertoldi C, Bruhn D, Frikke J, Linder AC. Is Virtual Fencing an Effective Way of Enclosing Cattle? Personality, Herd Behaviour and Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070842. [PMID: 35405832 PMCID: PMC8996897 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In modern nature conservation and rewilding there is a need for controlling the movements of large grazers in extensively managed areas. The inflexibility of physical fencing can be a limitation in nature management, and the physical boundaries created by physical fencing can have detrimental effects on wildlife. Virtual fencing systems provide boundaries without physical structures. These systems utilise collars with GPS technology to track animals and deliver auditory or electric cues to encourage the animals to stay within the predefined boundaries. This study aims to assess the use of virtual fencing (Nofence©) to keep twelve Angus cows (Bos taurus) within a virtual enclosure without compromising their welfare. As such, the study examines inter-individual differences between the cows as well as their herd behaviour, when reacting and learning to respond appropriately to virtual fencing. Moreover, the activity of the cows was used as an indicator of welfare. The virtual fencing was successful in keeping the herd within the designated area. Moreover, the cattle learned to avoid the virtual border and respond to auditory cues, where the cows received significantly more auditory warning and electric impulses per week throughout the first 14 days than the remaining 125 days (p < 0.001). The cows were found to express both inter-individual differences (p < 0.001) and herd behaviour. The cattle did not express any significant changes in their activity upon receiving an electrical impulse from the collar. Thus, indicating that there were little to no acute welfare implications associated with the use of virtual fencing in this study. This study clearly supports the potential for virtual fencing as a viable alternative to physical electric fencing. However, it also shows that both individual differences in personality and herd structure should be considered when selecting individuals for virtual fencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Fjord Aaser
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
| | - Søren Krabbe Staahltoft
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
| | - Andreas Hein Korsgaard
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
| | - Adam Trige-Esbensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Dan Bruhn
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
- Skagen Bird Observatory, Fyrvej 36, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
| | - John Frikke
- Wadden Sea National Park, Havnebyvej 30, 6792 Rømø, Denmark;
| | - Anne Cathrine Linder
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience—Section of Bioscience and Engineering, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (M.F.A.); (S.K.S.); (A.H.K.); (A.T.-E.); (C.P.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marini D, Cowley F, Belson S, Lee C. Comparison of virtually fencing and electrically fencing sheep for pasture management. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
10
|
Kearton T, Marini D, Lee C, Cowley FC. The influence of observing a maternal demonstrator on the ability of lambs to learn a virtual fence. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
11
|
Aquilani C, Confessore A, Bozzi R, Sirtori F, Pugliese C. Review: Precision Livestock Farming technologies in pasture-based livestock systems. Animal 2021; 16:100429. [PMID: 34953277 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) encompasses the combined application of single technologies or multiple tools in integrated systems for real-time and individual monitoring of livestock. In grazing systems, some PLF applications could substantially improve farmers' control of livestock by overcoming issues related to pasture utilisation and management, and animal monitoring and control. A focused literature review was carried out to identify technologies already applied or at an advanced stage of development for livestock management in pastures, specifically cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry. Applications of PLF in pasture-based systems were examined for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The earliest technology applied to livestock was the radio frequency identification tag, allowing the identification of individuals, but also for retrieving important information such as maternal pedigree. Walk-over-weigh platforms were used to record individual and flock weights. Coupled with automatic drafting systems, they were tested to divide the animals according to their needs. Few studies have dealt with remote body temperature assessment, although the use of thermography is spreading to monitor both intensively reared and wild animals. Global positioning system and accelerometers are among the most applied technologies, with several solutions available on the market. These tools are used for several purposes, such as animal location, theft prevention, assessment of activity budget, behaviour, and feed intake of grazing animals, as well as for reproduction monitoring (i.e., oestrus, calving, or lambing). Remote sensing by satellite images or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) seems promising for biomass assessment and herd management based on pasture availability, and some attempts to use UAVs to monitor, track, or even muster animals have been reported recently. Virtual fencing is among the upcoming technologies aimed at grazing management. This system allows the management of animals at pasture without physical fences but relies on associative learning between audio cues and an electric shock delivered if the animal does not change direction after the acoustic warning. Regardless of the different technologies applied, some common constraints have been reported on the application of PLF in grazing systems, especially when compared with indoor or confined livestock systems. Battery lifespan, transmission range, service coverage, storage capacity, and economic affordability were the main factors. However, even if the awareness of the existence and the potential of these upcoming tools are still limited, farmers' and researchers' demands are increasing, and positive outcomes in terms of rangeland conservation, animal welfare, and labour optimisation are expected from the spread of PLF in grazing systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Aquilani
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Scuola di Agraria, Via delle Cascine 5, 50144 Florence, Italy.
| | - A Confessore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Scuola di Agraria, Via delle Cascine 5, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - R Bozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Scuola di Agraria, Via delle Cascine 5, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - F Sirtori
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Scuola di Agraria, Via delle Cascine 5, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - C Pugliese
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Scuola di Agraria, Via delle Cascine 5, 50144 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lee C, Campbell DLM. A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Assess the Welfare Impacts of a New Virtual Fencing Technology. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:637709. [PMID: 33708813 PMCID: PMC7940360 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.637709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual fencing involving the application of audio cues and electrical stimuli is being commercially developed for cattle. Virtual fencing has the potential to improve productivity through optimized pasture management and utilization by grazing animals. The application of virtual fencing initiates public concern for the potential welfare impacts on animals due the aversive nature of using an electrical stimulus. It is therefore important to provide welfare assurance of the impacts of virtual fencing on livestock. In this paper, we provide an overview of the welfare assessment and validation stages for virtual fencing which could be applied to other new technologies utilizing novel systems. An understanding of stress measures and their suitability for use in specific contexts is discussed, including the use of glucocorticoids to measure both acute and chronic stress, and behavioral responses and patterns to indicate welfare states. The importance of individual differences in relation to learning and cognition are also highlighted. Together, this multi-disciplinary approach to welfare assessment provides a tool kit that may be applied for welfare assurance of some new technologies and systems for farm animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Lee
- CSIRO, Agriculture and Food, FD McMaster Laboratory, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kearton T, Marini D, Cowley F, Belson S, Keshavarzi H, Mayes B, Lee C. The Influence of Predictability and Controllability on Stress Responses to the Aversive Component of a Virtual Fence. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:580523. [PMID: 33330702 PMCID: PMC7733987 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.580523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To ensure animal welfare is not compromised, virtual fencing must be predictable and controllable, and this is achieved through associative learning. To assess the influence of predictability and controllability on physiological and behavioral responses to the aversive component of a virtual fence, two methods of training animals were compared. In the first method, positive punishment training involved sheep learning that after an audio stimulus, an electrical stimulus would follow only when they did not respond by stopping or turning at the virtual fence (predictable controllability). In the second method, classical conditioning was used to associate an audio stimulus with an electrical stimulus on all occasions (predictable uncontrollability). Eighty Merino ewes received one of the following treatments: control (no training and no stimuli in testing); positive punishment training with an audio stimulus in testing (PP); classical conditioning training with only an audio stimulus in testing (CC1); and classical conditioning training with an audio stimulus followed by electrical stimulus in testing (CC2). The stimuli were applied manually with an electronic collar. Training occurred on 4 consecutive days with one session per sheep per day. Sheep were then assessed for stress responses to the cues by measuring plasma cortisol, body temperature and behaviors. Predictable controllability (PP) sheep showed no differences in behavioral and physiological responses compared with the control treatment (P < 0.05). Predictable uncontrollability of receiving the aversive stimulus (CC2) induced a higher cortisol and body temperature response compared to the control but was not different to CC1 and PP treatments. CC2 treatment sheep showed a higher number of turning behaviors (P < 0.001), and more time spent running (P < 0.001) than the control and PP treatment groups, indicating that predictability without controllability was stressful. The behavior results also indicate that predicting the event without receiving it (CC1) was less stressful than predicting the event then receiving it (CC2), suggesting that there is a cost to confirmation of uncontrollability. These results demonstrate that a situation of predictability and controllability such as experienced when an animal successfully learns to avoid the aversive component of a virtual fence, induces a comparatively minimal stress response and does not compromise animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tellisa Kearton
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Danila Marini
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Frances Cowley
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Belson
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamideh Keshavarzi
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Bonnie Mayes
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marini D, Kearton T, Ouzman J, Llewellyn R, Belson S, Lee C. Social influence on the effectiveness of virtual fencing in sheep. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10066. [PMID: 33062448 PMCID: PMC7532778 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early virtual fencing trials have effectively contained small groups of sheep within set areas of a paddock when all animals were wearing manual electronic collars. With sheep farming commonly involving large flocks, a potential cost-effective application of virtual fencing would involve applying equipment to only a proportion of the flock. In this study, we tested the ability of virtual fencing to control a small flock of sheep with differing proportions of the group exposed to the virtual fence (VF). Thirty-six Merino sheep were identified as leaders, middle or followers by moving them through a laneway. The sheep were then allocated to groups balanced for order of movement. The groups (n = 9 per group) included applying the VF to the following proportions of animals within each group: (1) 100% (n = 9 VF) (2) 66% (n = 6 VF; n = 3 no VF) (3) 33% (n = 3 VF; n = 6 no VF) (4) 0% (no VF; free to roam the paddock). The groups were given access to their own paddock (80 × 20 m) for two consecutive days, six hours per day, with the VF groups prevented from entering an exclusion zone that covered 50% of the north side of the paddock. During these hours, VF interactions, behavioural time budgets, and body temperature were recorded as measures of stress, and location was tracked with GPS. Group 100% VF and Control were tested on the first two days and groups 33% VF and 66% VF were tested on the following two days. During VF implementation the 100% VF and 66% VF group were successfully prevented from entering the exclusion zone. Having only 33% of the flock exposed to the virtual fence was not successful, with the sheep pushing forward through the VF to join flock mates in the exclusion zone. For learning to respond to the audio cue, sheep in the 33% group received more electrical stimuli with a 0.51 proportion for the ratio of electrical stimuli to audio cue, compared to 0.22 and 0.28 for the 100% and 66% groups, respectively. There were small differences in behavioural patterns of standing and lying on both days of testing, with the 100% VF and 66% VF groups spending more time lying. Although stress-induced hyperthermia did not occur in any of the VF groups, body temperature differed in the 33% VF group. There were no differences in temperature measures between the control and 100% VF animals. This study demonstrates that for a short period, controlling two-thirds of the flock was equally as effective as virtually fencing all animals, while controlling one-third of a flock with a virtual fence was not effective. For the short term, it appears that implementing the VF to a proportion of the flock can be an effective method of containment. Due to the limitations of this study, these results warrant further testing with larger flocks and for longer periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danila Marini
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tellisa Kearton
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jackie Ouzman
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rick Llewellyn
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Belson
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|