Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS INDICATE LANDSCAPE SELECTION BY CATTLE IN THE SUB TROPICAL SAVANNAHS

N. TomkinsAC, P. O’Reagain B

A  CSIRO Livestock Industries, JM Rendel Laboratory, Rockhampton Qld 4702.
B  DPI & F, PO Box 976, Charters Towers Qld 4820.
C  Corresponding author. Email: nigel.tomkins@csiro.au

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the distribution and landscape selection of grazing cattle using global positioning systems (GPS). Brahman cows were fitted with BlueSky Telemetry™ GPS collars for 8 weeks. The study area had a single water point and contained a wide diversity of land types. The data indicated grazing preferences were initially limited to a 250 ha cleared area of clay soil sown with Cenchrus cilliaris. Thereafter, animals moved on to less fertile, outlying areas of Eucalyptus and Acacia agyrodendron native pasture woodland. Animals avoided areas dominated by steep terrain and travelled a maximum of 4.1 km from water. The study confirms that grazing preferences can be interpreted through GPS and satellite imagery for commercial operations. Areas susceptible to over-grazing can be identified and sustainable land management practices adopted accordingly.

Abstract of paper submitted to the Australian Rangelands Conference in September 2006 www.austrangesoc.com.au