GPS based tools for extensively reared cattle: relationship between temperature and animal activity

A study was conducted to track a group of grazing cows by GPS-GPRS technology. GPS devices were placed in the neck of 3 non-gestating and non-lactating Morucha cows (averaged 8 years old). The GPS units emitted data regarding animal position every 10 minutes for a period of 28 days in which the animals could range freely in the experimental farm. Data were processed using the appropriate software to generate parameters related to animals’ activity, such as velocity of movement or estimated grazing area. It was observed that the hours of activity and rest matched those of daily daylight and night time, albeit a period of two hours of little activity was observed during the early afternoon. Likewise, activity varied along the days of study, probably due, among other factors, to the changes in weather conditions. A significant positive corre- lation between the activity shown by the animals and the temperature registered throughout the day was noted, although the latter directly depends on daylight and night time periods. The development and imple- mentation of these monitoring systems in the future on a practical level may contribute to an appropriate and efficient management of extensively reared cattle, especially in remote, difficult to access and large areas, while providing valuable information about the interactions between animals and the environment