The project will evaluate the on-farm application of virtual fencing and herding technology, demonstrate its implementation across different production systems and examine the responses of different livestock (dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep) to various cues and stimuli to improve productivity and profitability in the livestock industry.
It will also extend its benefits across the major livestock industries. Specifically, the project will develop an understanding of the learning, management and ethical challenges associated with the adoption of virtual fencing on farms.
The introduction of a change in both pasture management, and the way that livestock are herded and managed, will enable significant productivity and profitability gains for Australia’s pastoral farmers.
Faculty researchers
Collaborators
- Meat Livestock Australia
- Dairy Australia
- Australian Wool Innovation
- Australian Pork Limited
- CSIRO
- University of Sydney
- University of New England
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
- University of Melbourne
- Agersens Pty Ltd
Funding
- Funded by: Australian Government (Rural R&D for Profit program); Rural Development Corporations Meat Livestock Australia, Dairy Australia, Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Pork Limited; and R&D providers CSIRO, the University of Sydney, University of New England, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, the University of Melbourne and Agersens Pty Ltd
- Funding period: 2014-2020
- Funding amount: $2.6 million, with a further $1.3 million contribution from RDCs
Nikki Reichelt
reichelt@unimelb.edu.au
3 Dec 2020