Accuracy and effectiveness of virtual fencing in production settings

Virtual fence (VF) technology can potentially enhance profitability, animal welfare, and environmental impact by replacing physical fences, reducing labor, mitigating wildlife conflicts, and protecting sensitive areas. Virtual fence technology is successful in research environments; however, little is known about the factors contributing to success in production settings. As VF depends on GPS locations, understanding the accuracy of the GPS-enabled collars is crucial. We evaluated the accuracy of VF collars over 21-days using the accuracy measurements circular error probable (CEP), 95% radius (R95), distance root mean squared (DRMS), twice the distance root mean squared (2DRMS). These accuracy measurements revealed that closed canopies are less accurate despite reporting similar totals of GPS locations (P < 0.01). Collars also exhibit differences in directional distribution of GPS locations depending on the canopy type (χ <0.01). The initial introduction to VF plays a large role in the success of the technology implementation. Evaluation of four individual training protocols and surrounding factors identified how each influences the effectiveness of training cattle to VF. Through a backwards stepwise regression analysis, we identified that a training period is necessary to decrease the use of excluded areas (P < 0.01). The final model identified three key variables that influenced the use of exclusion zones: training, exclusion area size, and interactions with the VF during evaluation (AIC = 780.56). Finally, we explored the use of VF in creep grazing and compared it to traditional electric fencing (EF). VF calves accessed creep grazing areas more frequently than EF calves, resulting in a greater average daily gain (P = 0.03). Virtually fenced calves spent 18% of daily GPS locations in the creep grazing area, while EF calves spent 7%. However, cows in VF pastures did access the pasture, so this management strategy was 86% effective in preventing cows from accessing the calf creep grazing area. These studies improved our understanding of VF technology's accuracy, limitations, and benefits, which is crucial for successful implementation. Further research is needed to optimize collar accuracy and training protocols. Overall, VF has the potential to positively impact the environment, improve grazing practices, and replace traditional fencing.