Sat nav used to track cow moo-vement

Published on Thursday 10 July 2008 10:29

A HERD of cows have been fitted with their very own sat nav devices as researchers monitor their movements through the Pentlands Hills.

The tracking devices, which feature similar technology to the in-car guidance systems, are being used by experts at the Scottish Agricultural College to see how the animals react to different terrain.

The college's Tony Waterhouse said: "We are trying to find out more about what cattle do in general so we can tease out whether there is a difference between different types of breeds.

"Farm subsidies are moving towards support for wider conservation aims, so it is important to know which breeds of cow eat what and how that affects the plants and wildlife."

The tests are taking place on Castle Law farm at Easter Howgate, Midlothian.

The scientists hope to discover if cows are good for upland farming following a recent drop in sheep numbers.