development of a low-cost GPS tracking collar for cattle and application of spatial technologies in animal science

An economical GPS (global positioning system) tracking collar was developed for the purpose of introducing to students to the use of GPS and geographic information system (GIS) technologies as tools for determining grazing patterns of beef cattle. Evaluation of grazing patterns can provide cattle pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:NACTA journal 2006-03, Vol.50 (1), p.64-66
Main Authors: Cline, C.N, Person, M.D, Baker, W.H, Kennedy, D.W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aluminum
Animal science
Beef cattle
Geographic information systems
Global positioning systems
Grazing
Information technology
Map skills
Pastures
Radio antennas
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Summary:An economical GPS (global positioning system) tracking collar was developed for the purpose of introducing to students to the use of GPS and geographic information system (GIS) technologies as tools for determining grazing patterns of beef cattle. Evaluation of grazing patterns can provide cattle producers with information on pasture utilization. Uneven distribution of cattle may negatively impact natural resources and result in poor utilization of available forage. Students designed the collar, collected tracking data, and developed maps. Maps showed grazing patterns and were used as a basis for making recommendations to improve grazing uniformity. The GPS collar cost approximately $400 and can provide an economical way to incorporate spatial technologies into an animal science curriculum.
ISSN:0149-4910