Dynamic Wireless Grazing: practical application in two grazing systems

GPS collars were used that emit an auditory signal when a cow approaches a digitally defined boundary. If the animal continues beyond the boundary, it receives a mild electrical stimulus. This system is therefore also referred to as virtual electric fencing. The flexibility of this technology lies in the fact that the boundary can be adjusted digitally without moving physical fences, enabling farmers to manage grazing more dynamically and protect vulnerable natural areas.

The trial was carried out at the Dairy Campus in Leeuwarden and lasted five weeks. A total of 64 dairy cows were divided into four groups: 1) wireless fencing with daily rotational grazing, 2) wireless fencing with weekly rotational grazing, 3) physical fencing with daily rotational grazing, and 4) physical fencing with weekly rotational grazing. Each cow wore a GPS collar that recorded the number of auditory signals and electrical stimuli it received. The cows’ behaviour was also monitored, and measurements were taken for feed intake, milk yield and cortisol levels to assess stress.

Cows learned quickly to cope with the wireless fencing. Over the course of the trial, the number of auditory signals increased while the number of electrical stimuli decreased, suggesting that the cows began to understand the system and responded to the warning signals, reducing the need for corrective stimuli. There were no significant differences in feed intake, milk yield or bodyweight between cows with wireless fencing and those with physical fencing. Behaviour measurements and cortisol analyses also showed no signs of increased stress in cows using wireless fencing compared with those using physical fences. Additionally, grazing appeared to lower stress levels in cows, regardless of the fencing system used.

• Dynamisch draadloos weiden: Werkbaarheid van draadloze afrastering binnen twee beweidingssystemen voor melkvee