Recent developments in precision technology have improved our ability to monitor many aspects of livestock production. One of the more interesting technologies to emerge in recent years is the use of GPS tracking ear tags for cattle. Researchers have used GPS collars for decades to better understand livestock grazing patterns in relation to factors such as distance to water, topography, and plant communities. However, reduced costs and improvements in communication technology have now made real-time tracking of animals possible, offering many practical benefits for producers.
Operational Advantages
Real-time GPS tracking offers significant advantages for livestock producers. For operations that lease pastures located far from home, GPS ear tags allow producers to monitor animals remotely, reducing the time and labor required to physically check cattle on a daily basis. These technologies can also assist with herding animals back to working facilities, particularly in large pastures or allotments, making the process faster and more efficient.
One area where producers have shown strong interest is the use of GPS tracking ear tags on bulls during the breeding season. Real-time location data can help ensure bulls remain with the intended cow herd and are not utilizing their ‘resources’ with the neighbors cows. Because GPS ear tags can be relatively expensive ($70-$200) in relation to the costs of a bull ($7,000+), focusing on bulls rather than the entire herd may be a more cost-effective entry point for many operations interested in this technology.
Different companies software platform may also have added functionality such as livestock record keeping or health monitoring features from the GPS movement data. For example, if an animal remains stationary for an extended period, this may indicate illness or injury like foot rot necessitating treatment. Some platforms also offer geofencing capabilities, which allow producers to set virtual boundaries around a pasture. If an animal moves outside of that boundary, the producer can receive an alert through the software or via text message, allowing them to quickly find the animal and move them back. These features can save time, reduce labor, and help ensure animals remain where they are intended throughout the season.
Beyond real-time monitoring, GPS location data can provide insights into pasture utilization. Tracking animal movement can help identify areas that are overused or underutilized, informing grazing management decisions, pasture rotations, and potential cross-fencing strategies.
Available Technologies
Several companies currently offer GPS tracking ear tags commercially. Commonly available options include:
- 701x
- Ceres Tag
- GSatRancher
As with any technology investment, producers should evaluate GPS tracking systems carefully. Each system differs in terms of features, software functionality, costs and data subscriptions, and frequency of GPS locations (e.g. every 30 minutes versus every few hours). Tag costs typically range from approximately $70 to $300 per unit and may carry additional software fees. Additionally, producers should consider how these technologies communicate, whether through satellite or cellular networks, and evaluate the level of cellular coverage available on their operation to pick the right tool for the job. Other important considerations include how frequently location data are reported, the weight of the tag, ease of application using standard tagging equipment, and tag retention rates.
Summary
Overall, real-time GPS tracking ear tags represent an exciting advancement in precision livestock technology for beef production systems, particularly on extensive rangelands. These tools can improve operational efficiency, provide real-time animal monitoring, and generate alerts when animals leave designated areas, allowing producers to respond quickly. Producers interested in these technologies are encouraged to contact SDSU Extension personnel to discuss whether GPS tracking ear tags are a good fit for their operation and management goals.
