Labour costs of fencing in grazing systems and virtual fencing as a potential technological solution

  • C. Umstatter
  • , D. McSweeney
  • , C. Foley
  • , P. Halton
  • , K. Heitkaemper
  • , M. Schick
  • , B. O'Brien

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsConference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

Optimizing grazing management is fundamental to economic return in grassland production systems. However, costs of labour and fencing may represent obstacles to optimizing profitability from the system. The task of grass allocation usually involves subjective visual assessment and intuitive decision-making on farms implementing an intensive grazing system, followed by putting in place extensive lengths of fencing to enclose the animals. This preliminary study examined the labour requirements associated with a strip grazing system. In addition, the development of a fencing system which could support farmers in optimizing grazing management while reducing labour costs is described and discussed in the latter part of the paper.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPrecision Livestock Farming 2015 - Papers Presented at the 7th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2015
EditorsMarcella Guarino, D. Berckmans
PublisherEuropean Conference on Precision Livestock Farming
Pages84-92
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9788890975325
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event7th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2015 - Milan, Italy
Duration: 15 Sep 201518 Sep 2015

Publication series

NamePrecision Livestock Farming 2015 - Papers Presented at the 7th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2015

Conference

Conference7th European Conference on Precision Livestock Farming, ECPLF 2015
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityMilan
Period15/09/1518/09/15

Keywords

  • Grazing management
  • Labour requirements virtual fence
  • Robotic milking

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