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Virtual fences are not more stressful than conventional electric fences in rotationally stocked beef cattle

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: • Virtual fence (VF) technology is rapidly developing and being adopted, but many ranchers and consumers have questions about its effect on the welfare of range beef cattle. • We conducted two studies using either VF collars or conventional electric fencing to rotationally graze beef cattle. We measured several common physiological and behavioral indicators of stress and correlated these indicators with the number of electric stimuli received from the VF collars. • Physiological and behavioral indicators of stress were not different between cattle rotated within the two types of fencing. No correlations were evident between the number of electrical stimuli received and stress indicators. From the perspective of cattle welfare, we concluded that continued development and use of VF is warranted.
Source: Rangelands
DOI: 10.1016/j.rala.2024.11.002
Authors: Jancy Jeffus, Kevin Wagner, Laura Goodman, Todd Parker, Blake Wilson, Andrew Foote, Ryan Reuter
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
Funders: Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Soil Fertility Research and Education Advisory Board, Nature Conservancy, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma Water Resources Center, Oklahoma State University
OpenAlex ID: W4407209762
FWCI: 8.586
Cites: 45
Cited by: 8
Related to: 10