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

Abstract

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  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.
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  We evaluated blood markers associated with stress and inflammatory response when naive cattle were fitted with VF collars.
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  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.
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  Our results indicate VF technology can contain cattle within a pre-established boundary and does not negatively impact cattle welfare.