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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Sci / Activity and behavior patterns of cattle, horses, and sheep ...
Journal of animal science2025; 103; skaf318; doi: 10.1093/jas/skaf318

Activity and behavior patterns of cattle, horses, and sheep grazing in mountainous areas using geolocation collars.

Abstract: The sustainability of extensive livestock systems is compromised. It is necessary to enhance our understanding of the activity and grazing behavior of different livestock species (cows, horses, and sheep) sharing the same mountainous areas. Nowadays, the observation and analysis of animal activity is greatly facilitated by remote tracking technology, especially in zones with difficult access. In this article, we proved that commercial geolocation collars can provide meaningful data on animal activity, behavior, and distribution, which can be used to model daily distances, activity patterns, grazing behavior, daily home range, and herd dispersal. Results revealed significant differences in activity between species, influenced by the season, altitude, and shepherding practices. Sheep traveled longer daily distances (2.85 km/d) and grazed at higher altitudes than cattle (1.68 km/d) and horses (1.65 km/d), aligning with their specific dietary requirements. Seasonal transhumance and summer conditions also influenced grazing patterns, with peak activity in June and higher altitudes in summer. Cows exhibited a bimodal daily activity pattern, while horses and sheep grazed more consistently throughout the day. Herd dispersal varied by species and season, with cows and horses less dispersed early in the grazing season due to abundant resources. Weather had minimal daily impact, though drier springs in 2022 and 2023 led to increased distances and home range sizes across all species, reflecting stress to find food. Individual variability accounted for much of the observed differences, underscoring the importance of considering individual-specific behaviors in grazing management. These findings highlight the need for species- and herd-customized strategies to promote sustainable livestock management in mountainous rangelands. Livestock farming in mountainous regions faces challenges in remaining sustainable. To better understand how cows, sheep, and horses behave and graze in these areas, we used geolocation tracking devices to study their movements and activity patterns. This technology allowed us to gather valuable information, even in hard-to-reach areas, and analyze daily distances traveled, grazing habits, and herd behavior. We found that sheep travel farther and graze at higher altitudes than cows and horses due to their specific dietary needs. Seasonal changes, such as the movement of animals to summer pastures in June, also influenced their grazing behavior. Cows and sheep showed a distinct pattern of grazing in the morning and afternoon with a midday rest, while horses grazed more steadily throughout the day. Cows and horses were more dispersed than sheep, especially later in the season when food became scarcer. Weather had little daily impact, but dry springs in 2022 and 2023 led to longer distances traveled and home ranges as animals searched for food.
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.
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Publication Date: 2025-09-20 PubMed ID: 40973064PubMed Central: PMC12558749DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaf318Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study used geolocation collars to monitor and analyze the activity and grazing behaviors of cattle, horses, and sheep in mountainous areas.
  • The research highlighted differences in movement patterns, grazing altitude, and herd dispersion among species influenced by factors such as season, altitude, and weather conditions.

Purpose and Importance of the Study

  • Extensive livestock systems in mountainous regions face sustainability challenges due to complex environmental conditions and shared grazing areas.
  • Understanding species-specific activity and grazing behavior is crucial to improving sustainable management practices.
  • Traditional observation in difficult terrain is problematic, but recent advances in remote tracking technology facilitate precise behavioral data collection.

Methods: Use of Geolocation Collars

  • Commercial geolocation collars were deployed on cows, horses, and sheep to gather continuous data on:
    • Daily distances traveled
    • Activity patterns (when and how actively animals move)
    • Grazing behavior and altitude preferences
    • Home range sizes and herd dispersal
  • The technology enabled monitoring in remote and difficult-to-access mountainous pastures, providing reliable data across seasons.

Key Findings: Species-Specific Activity and Movement Patterns

  • Distance Traveled and Grazing Altitudes:
    • Sheep traveled the longest daily distances, averaging 2.85 km/day, and grazed at higher altitudes.
    • Cattle and horses traveled similar shorter distances, approximately 1.65-1.68 km/day.
    • Sheep’s dietary requirements drove their preference for higher altitude grazing areas and more extensive movement.
  • Seasonal Influences:
    • Seasonal transhumance (movement to summer pastures) caused shifts in altitude use, especially in summer with animals grazing higher up the mountains.
    • Peak grazing activity was observed in June during summer transition.
  • Daily Activity Patterns:
    • Cows exhibited a bimodal pattern with two peaks of activity around morning and late afternoon, resting midday.
    • Horses and sheep maintained more consistent levels of activity throughout the daylight hours without clear rest periods.
  • Herd Dispersal:
    • Cows and horses were less dispersed early in the grazing season, likely due to abundant forage.
    • As resources diminished later in the season, herd dispersal increased, especially for horses and cows.
    • Sheep maintained a relatively more consistent pattern due to their grazing habits and requirements.

Environmental Effects and Individual Variability

  • Weather Impact:
    • Daily weather variations showed minimal impact on activity and movement.
    • However, drier springs in 2022 and 2023 led to increased distances traveled and larger home ranges for all species, indicating more effort to find food under stressful conditions.
  • Individual Differences:
    • Much of the variation in activity and behavior was explained by individual animal differences rather than just species or environmental factors.
    • This underscores the importance of considering individual-specific management in livestock grazing strategies.

Implications for Sustainable Livestock Management

  • Results demonstrate significant species and individual variation in grazing behavior in mountainous rangelands.
  • Sustainable grazing management should incorporate:
    • Customization of strategies by species, accounting for their distinct movement, dietary needs, and altitudinal use.
    • Consideration of seasonal changes, especially transhumance and forage availability.
    • Monitoring individual animal behaviors to optimize herd productivity and environmental impact.
  • The use of geolocation collars provides a valuable tool for continuous and remote monitoring to inform adaptive management practices that support the long-term sustainability of complex mountainous livestock systems.

Cite This Article

APA
Vidal-Cardos R, Fàbrega E, Dalmau A. (2025). Activity and behavior patterns of cattle, horses, and sheep grazing in mountainous areas using geolocation collars. J Anim Sci, 103, skaf318. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf318

Publication

Journal of animal science
ISSN: 1525-3163
NlmUniqueID: 8003002
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 103
PII: skaf318

Researcher Affiliations

Vidal-Cardos, Roger
  • IRTA, Animal Welfare, Monells, Catalonia, Spain.
Fàbrega, Emma
  • IRTA, Animal Welfare, Monells, Catalonia, Spain.
Dalmau, Antoni
  • IRTA, Animal Welfare, Monells, Catalonia, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle / physiology
  • Horses / physiology
  • Sheep / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Altitude
  • Female
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Remote Sensing Technology / veterinary

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