Use of Virtual Fences to Co-fence Two Groups of Cattle with Adjacent Virtual Boundaries

Authors

Thomas E. Aquino, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mary E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Biquan Zhao, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Pedro Henrique Jota Fernandes, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Isaque F. Vicci, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mitchell B. Stephenson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Yijie Xiong, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2026

Citation

2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pages 65-68, MP-121, University of Nebraska Extension, 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Board of Regents, University of Nebraska. Used by permission

Abstract

Summary with Implications

While virtual fencing (VF) has proven effective in managing cattle, limited data exist on using it to manage two separate groups of cattle within the same area. If successful, this approach could reduce infrastructure costs and increase management flexibility. In this trial, VF-trained steers (n = 39) were placed in pastures with either no neighboring cattle (isolated) or next to a separate group with only a VF boundary between them (co-fenced). Containment exceeded 99% across all cattle, demonstrating that VF creates effective boundaries regardless of fence treatment. There was no statistical difference in the number of audio or electric pulse cues, meaning cattle did not interact with the VF boundary differently between treatments. These results suggest VF can maintain separate groups of cattle within shared pastures, offering a tool for more precise pasture management. This could enable producers to allocate forage, manage animal classes, or implement more intensive grazing strategies without the labor, time, and infrastructure cost of building physical fences.