| Title | Using animal behavior and electronics to controll free-ranging animal groups directional virtual fencing (DVM) - Proof-of-concept |
| Publication Type | Conference Paper |
| Year of Publication | 2005 |
| Authors | Anderson D.M. , Hale C.S. , Nolen B. , Havstad K |
| Conference Name | 2005 Horizons in Livestock Sciences Conference |
| Date Published | 2005 |
| ARIS Log Number | 182237 |
| Keywords | behavior , Directional , electronics , fencing , free-ranging , virtual |
| Abstract | Improved animal distribution promotes ecologically sound landscape utilization. Diverse utilization patterns require active management of timing and duration of foraging. After 30 years of research, a patented methodology to reintroduce the art of low-stress herding husbandry using 21st century science awaits commercialization. Directional Virtual Fencing (DVF™) melds cutting edge electronics with innate animal behaviors to control free-ranging animals without visible fences. The system compares an animal’s location using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to a Virtual Center Line (VCL™) after the VCL™ location has been programmed into the device’s Geographic Information System (GIS). A magnetometer in the DVF™ device determines the animal’s angle of approach to the nearest VCL™. Bilateral ramped audio and electric stimulation cues increase in irritation intensity as an animal approaches the VCL™ within a Virtual Boundary (VB™). Cuing stops immediately once the animal turns away from the VCL™. The type of cue, length of cuing and the side of the animal to which the cue is applied are all programmable. This flexibility offers the DVF™ user many options to implement Prescription Stocking (RxS™). The first autonomous field test of DVF™ occurred on April 2, 2001. Since then, our team has determined that DVF™ can control animal groups behind static as well as moving VBs™. Current research is focused on developing power efficient hardware with a small footprint coupled to wireless data transmission capabilities in a potentially patentable solar powered head mounted device. With DVF™ the art of animal husbandry is integrated with cutting edge technology. |
