Virtual fencing for maximum environmental protection and grazing animal production

Virtual Fencing (VF) is an innovative tool for grazing animal mangement. Once fully developed VF technology may be applied to all classes and species of grazing animals. The current conceptual VF system includes a single radio-wire type fence that transmits signals to create an exclusion zone, a programmable remote herding vehicle (RHV) that transmits signals to create an inclusion zone and an on-animal receiver device that complements both of these virtually fabricated zones. Animals can be trained to alter their direction of movement in response to audioelectrical stimuli delivered by an on-animal receiver. A virtual exclusion zone may be created using a single radio wire hung on posts along a riverbank. As animals come within a certain distance of the radio wire they are signaled to turn around and move in an opposite direction. The virtual inclusion zone may be created using animals equipped with the same receiver device configured to receive signals transmitted from a mobile RHV. In this mode, the animals are encouraged to stay within a set distance of the RHV. The RHV may be programmed to move its assigned animals to any location at any given speed thereby eliminating the need for mustering and ensuring sensitive pastures are never overgrazed by domestic stock. It is envisaged the RHV would be able to receive seasonal condition intelligence via satellite and adjust its travel route accordingly. Rapid developments in the GPS technology may soon eliminate the need for ground-based transmitter directors. The success of VF will depend on further investigation in two major areas; animal behaviour (testing animal welfare and conditioning to invisible barriers), and prototype equipment development.