Evaluation of a stimulus-based virtual fencing system in sheep

Abstract

Inadequate grazing management in extensive livestock systems has led to the degradation of natural grasslands. Implementing rotational grazing schemes could help mitigate this process (Ormaechea et al., 2014). However, such systems often require costly physical barriers. Controlling livestock movement through stimuli (virtual fencing) offers a promising technological alternative to conventional fencing, thereby facilitating the implementation of rotational grazing systems (Marini et al., 2022). The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a stimulus-based virtual fencing system (sound and electric pulse) to control sheep movement and to assess the learning process through the number of electric pulses required over time.