Tracking animals and predictive healthcare using new low power radio standard LoRa

In rangeland and mountain areas it can be difficult and labour intensive to find livestock in order to check health and welfare. In addition, wild predators can be counted as substantial thread to the livelihood of farmers and to animal welfare. Modern technology can support stock personnel by tracking animals to decrease labour costs and ensure animal welfare. However, one major limitation is the energy demand of these systems. In a pilot study, we were testing a new low cost radio technology with minimal energy requirements and large range. A GPS tracking device was integrated into collar. Every 30 mins the position of the animal can be send through “LoRa” (Long Range, Chirp Spread Spectrum Technology from Semtech Cooperation) Ten collars were deployed in a first pilot study in the Alps on eight sheep, one donkey and a livestock guardian dog. A reception sensitivity above -144 dBm could be reached with the chosen modulation parameters. The propagation simulation, including the mountainous topography in the area of the animals’ home range, predicted an adequate coverage. Therefore, 90% of the position massages were transmitted successfully. In future, data of the integrated 3-D-accelerometers can be used to identify unusual behaviour of the animals for predictive healthcare, estrous detection or alert stock personnel in case a wild predator attack is taking place