Differential response of Angus-Hereford and Rarámuri Criollo cattle to a dynamic feeding challenge during the training to an autonomous virtual fencing collar

Abstract Virtual fencing (VF) is an emerging concept for managing livestock distribution using smart-tracking collars. The collars apply Global Navigation Satellite System technology to emit sound alerts that warn animals of virtual boundaries enforced by electric pulses. Behavioral differences may explain how individuals and breeds respond to this technology. This work compared behavioral responses of non-lactating Rarámuri Criollo (RC) and Angus-Hereford (AH) cattle to a commercial VF system during the training phase. Thirty RC and 30 AH cows naive to VF were fitted with Nofence collars and assigned by breed to rectangular pens (n = 3 per breed) in a completely randomized design. Wheat hay was provided ad libitum at feeding stations located on the east and west ends of each pen, which were made accessible or restricted via VF schedules applied across six 3-day periods. Period 1 had no restrictions; periods 2 and 3 restricted access to the west and east feeding stations, respectively; and periods 4–6 repeated these configurations. Behavioral responses, including number of auditory warnings, electric pulses, electric pulses to auditory warnings ratio, animal activity, and spatial distribution in pens, were evaluated using repeated measures mixed model ANOVA (α = 0.05). AH cows received more auditory warnings and electric pulses on day 1 of period 2 and a greater ratio of electric pulses to auditory warnings in periods 2–3 than periods 5–6, respectively. RC cows spent more time within the designated VF containment zone on day 1 of period 2. AH cows exhibited consistently greater movement activity throughout the study. Overall VF containment was 97%, indicating that both breeds successfully learned and adapted to shifting virtual boundaries. These results suggest that breed-specific behavioral traits, including vigilance, risk assessment, feeding motivation, and activity, may underline differential responses to VF during early training.