SBIR-STTR Award

One of the significant resource inputs in livestock production is the labor required to move the animals. This is the case in both managed intensive grazing programs (with frequent animal movement and electric fence relocation) and in the rounding up of animals in a large rangeland grazing area. In addition, one of the significant issues facing livestock grazing is the exclusion of animals from riparian areas, wetland areas, and other areas that cannot practically be fenced. Prior research by the U.S. Forest Service has confirmed the appropriate animal response to audible and electrical stimulation based on a transmission from a fixed transmitter and, importantly, without a visible fence barrier. The proposed research program will explore the feasibility of a electronic livestock control system using global positioning system (GPS) satellite location information. The system would determine the animal's location based on GPS signals received by animal-mounted unit, compare that location with the desired location, and apply audible and electric shock stimulus if necessary to cause movement of the animal. Additional applications include the exclusion of problem animals (bears, wolves, etc.) from defined areas such as sheep ranches and urban areas.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
: A miniaturized animal ear tag incorporating a GPS receiver and stimulation circuitry would offer a unique alternative to traditional animal control. Frequent physical relocation of electric fence could be replaced with the remote entry of desired grazing area boundaries. Animals could be returned to a specified location based on a preprogrammed contraction of the boundary parameters. Animals could be allowed to graze in areas including environmentally sensitive portions with the appropriate programmed boundaries. A modified receiver could be used as an alternative to destroying problem wild animals that must be excluded from certain occupied areas.

This is a Phase II proposal to continue the work begun by AgriTech Electronics, LC ("AgriTech") on a GPS-based livestock control system. This system will exclude animals from areas, or contain them within defined boundaries, where it is impractical or inefficient to build fence to achieve this objective. These needs arise in a variety of contexts, including the exclusion of livestock from riparian and other environmentally sensitive areas and the relocation of animals in managed intensive grazing. The Phase I research project conducted by AgriTech explored and confirmed the feasibility of a GPS-based system that would achieve these objectives. In the proposed Phase II project, the system will be redesigned and improved to (1) reduce the size of the ear tag units; (2) improve the accuracy of the system by Differential GPS (DGPS); and (3) reduce power consumption for increased battery life. The Phase II project will also include research on key animal behavior issues, including (1) improving response to audible stimulation; (2) further analyzing response to electric shock stimulation; (3) exploring herd behavior implications of the system; and (4) investigating consistency of animal response and learning behavior.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
: The GPS-based animal control system has the potential to revolutionize livestock control. Significant environmental benefits would result though the use of this system to exclude animals from riparian or wetland areas. Areas previously unavailable for grazing, or used for grazing but at significant environmental cost, would now be suitable for grazing management. With remote programming (and variation) of boundary parameters a single operator could control the location of a large number of animals, resulting in significant intensive grazing opportunities. Retrieving animals at the end of the grazing season could be accomplished through system boundary changes. These benefits could have far-reaching effects on traditional livestock production processes, and substantial efficiency gains would result.