The ability to modify the distribution of grazing livestock is a common desire among farmers, either to protect sensitive areas or to more closely match stocking rate with carrying capacity. Virtual fencing (VF) technology offers an alternative method of controlling both where and when animals graze without the need for physical barriers, which are costly to erect and maintain, particularly along riparian areas. The potential for automated animal control collars to reduce the impact of cattle on riparian areas was evaluated. A replicated experiment was run fro up to three months using four groups of ten cattle. Each group was allocated to a separate 24 ha paddock. Automated animal control collars utilise GPS to monitor position and provide cue (audio) and control (mild electric shock) stimuli to deter animals from entering an exclusion zone. ...
Bishop-Hurley, G.J. Swain, D.L., Crossman, C.and Valencia, Phil. (2010). Monitoring and managing the use of riparian areas by cattle.In: Proceedings of the 16thBiennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, Bourke (Eds D.J. Eldridge and C. Waters) (Australian Rangeland Society: Perth).
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.