Abstract
Understanding social behaviour in livestock groups requires accurate geo-spatial localisation data over time which is difficult to obtain in the field. Automated on-animal devices may provide a solution. This study introduced an Real-Time-Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) localisation device (RTK rover) based on an RTK module manufactured by the company u-blox (Thalwil, Switzerland) that was assembled in a box and harnessed to sheep backs. Testing with 7 sheep across 4 days confirmed RTK rover tracking of sheep movement continuously with accuracy of approximately 20 cm. Individual sheep geo-spatial data were used to observe the sheep that first moved during a grazing period (movement leaders) in the one-hectare test paddock as well as construct social networks. Analysis of the optimum location update rate, with a threshold distance of 20 cm or 30 cm, showed that location sampling at a rate of 1 sample per second for 1 min followed by no samples for 4 min or 9 min, detected social networks as accurately as continuous location measurements at 1 sample every 5 s. The RTK rover acquired precise data on social networks in one sheep flock in an outdoor field environment with sampling strategies identified to extend battery life.
Highlights
At the initial Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) lock, the errors were of the order of corrections out to 450 m
This study aimed to investigate the performance of RTK rovers that were developed to study movement leaders and social networks in seven sheep with high geo-spatial accuracy across four days
The results of this study demonstrated high accuracy and reliable data recording of RTK rovers to measure social networks in sheep
Summary
Sheep are social animals that live in groups and rely on social mechanisms to enhance their survival. They show sophisticated social behaviour with the ability to recognise faces of individual flock mates over extended periods of time [1], recognise conspecific faces that exhibit fear/stress [2], show differences in dominance relationships [3] and individuals will utilise herd protection while under a predator threat [4]. Measuring the social relationships and/or network behaviour of sheep can provide an understanding of leader influences in daily movement patterns [5], how social bonds may affect grazing patterns [6,7,8], how temperament, age, weather, and management practices affect social relationships [9,10], and how differences in gregariousness can impact group behavioural synchronisation [11]
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