GPS-Based Animal Control System

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.