Virtual Herding
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Virtual herding technology was developed by the CSIRO approximately 10 years ago. The technology is now going through a process of commercialisation, backed by research to determine the uses and constraints of the technology on farm.
Using virtual herding technology, research will investigate the potential to constrain animals to certain areas for better grazing management and environmental outcomes, autonomously herd animals, or move individual or groups of animals in a herd differently to the rest of that herd. Fundamental research involving behavioural observations and physiological measurements will be critical to ensure the technology does not compromise animal welfare.
The Virtual Herding project overview (PDF, 262KB)
The following video helps explain virtual herding technology and the responses of livestock which have been observed in the virtual herding project.
This webinar presents the main findings from the Virtual Herding project and implications for the Australian livestock industries.
Patricia Colusso from the Dairy Research Group at Sydney University discusses the potential application of virtual herding technology for the Australian dairy industry in the video below.
The series of Technical Notes that follow provide technical information about the Virtual Herding (VH) technology and how it may be used by the Australian livestock industries, including the results of some of the R&D conducted in the Project presented as case studies.
Technical Notes
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Virtual Herding Research Update - Overview
PDF, 490.77 KB -
Technote 1 - Introduction to Virtual Herding Technology
PDF, 670.48 KB -
Technote 2 - Welfare Assessment of Applying VH Technology in Cattle
PDF, 664.33 KB -
Technote 3 - Factors Affecting the Response to Virtual Fences
PDF, 366.58 KB -
Technote 4 - Use of VH Technology to Improve Pasture Utilisation
PDF, 430.08 KB
Research and program areas
The project aims to evaluate the on-farm application of virtual herding (VH) technology, demonstrate its implementation, and quantify and extend its benefits across the major livestock industries in Australia. Below are the five main subprograms within the project.
Subprogram 1: Optimising the animal response to virtual herding technology (PDF, 204KB)
Subprogram 2: Optimising livestock and pasture management for intensive dairy and beef through more controlled pasture allocation (PDF, 274KB)
Subprogram 3: Determine best sub-herd and individual animal management for dairy and beef production systems (PDF, 302 KB)
Subprogram 4: Using virtual herding technology to better manage sheep (PDF, 201 KB)
Subprogram 5: Challenges for integration and adoption of virtual herding (PDF, 214KB)
Click here to find more detailed information on each of the subprograms.
Virtual Herding project
This project has been made possible as a result of the Commonwealth Rural R&D for Profit program. The project aims to undertake research and development of the implementation of virtual herding technology across the major livestock industries in Australia.
Overview of the project
The Australian Government's Rural Research and Development (R&D) for Profit program is a $200 million competitive grants program with funding available over eight financial years (2014–2015 to 2021–2022).
The Virtual Herding project received $2.6 million from the Australian Government through its Rural R&D for Profit program. A further $1.365 million has been provided by a number of Rural Research and Development Corporations and R&D providers. The R&D providers include CSIRO, the University of Sydney, University of New England, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, the University of Melbourne and Agersens Pty Ltd, with additional contributions from Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation and Australian Pork Limited.
Project groups
The principal investigators for this project are:
- Megan Verdon, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Burnie, Tas
- Caroline Lee, CSIRO, Armidale, NSW
- David Henry, CSIRO, Werribee, Vic
- Dana Campbell, CSIRO, Armidale, NSW
- Cameron Clark, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW
- Sabrina Lomax, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW
- Ruth Nettle, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic
- Danila Marini, University of New England, Armidale, NSW
- Sally Haynes, Agersens Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Vic
- Nikki Reichelt, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic
Project steering committee
A core requirement of the Virtual Herding project was the establishment of a project steering committee which represents stakeholders and includes industry and research and development corporation representatives as well as an animal welfare agency representative.
The steering committee is chaired by Dr Drewe Ferguson from CSIRO and meets at least twice a year. The role of the steering committee is to guide and direct the project and make it accountable to the respective livestock industries.
Final report
The 4-year project which began in July 2016 was completed in December 2020. The project has published its final report with its findings on the application of virtual fencing (VH) technology across different livestock production systems.
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Rural R&D for Profit Program
PDF, 3.02 MB
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Partners
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News and Media
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Subprograms
