Evaluation of blood markers of stress in beef cows during exposure to virtual fence stimuli

Bibliographic Data

ID21474865
AuthorsJuliana Ranches (0000-0002-1823-2577, Oregon State University, corresponding author), Chad S Boyd (Eastern Oregon University), Chad Boyd, Rory C O’connor (0000-0002-6473-0032, Eastern Oregon University), Matheus Ferreira (0000-0003-3037-9309), Matheus Fellipe de Lana Ferreira (0000-0002-7524-8233, Oregon State University), Aline Cristine Rezende dos Santos (0000-0002-4466-1391, Oregon State University), Gracia Maria Puerto Hernandez (0000-0002-8359-3328, Oregon State University), Dustin Johnson (0000-0001-6016-5147), Dustin D Johnson (Oregon State University), D W Bohnert (0000-0002-2286-8316, Oregon State University), David Bohnert
Year2025
Volume47
Issue1
Pages84-91
Publication date2025-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueRangelands (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0190-0528 • E-ISSN: 1551-501X
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.rala.2024.04.002
OpenAlexW4398764187
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

Containing cattle with a virtual fence (VF) has gained considerable attention. VF technology uses auditory and electric stimuli to contain or exclude cattle from predetermined areas, which has raised concerns over cattle welfare. We evaluated blood markers associated with stress and inflammatory response when naive cattle were fitted with VF collars. We detected no major changes in blood markers. Cattle were able to quickly identify and adapt to VF boundaries and over time reduce the number of stimuli. Our results indicate VF technology can contain cattle within a pre-established boundary and does not negatively impact cattle welfare

Animal science · Animal welfare · Beef Cattle · Biology · Economics · Welfare · Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies · Effects of Environmental Stressors on Livestock · Mathematics · Rangeland and Wildlife Management · Ecology