Evaluation of blood markers of stress in beef cows during exposure to virtual fence stimuli

Containing cattle with a virtual fence (VF) has gained considerable attention. VF technology uses auditory and electric stimuli to contain or exclude cattle from predetermined areas, which has raised concerns over cattle welfare. We evaluated blood markers associated with stress and inflammatory response when naive cattle were fitted with VF collars. We detected no major changes in blood markers. Cattle were able to quickly identify and adapt to VF boundaries and over time reduce the number of stimuli. Our results indicate VF technology can contain cattle within a pre-established boundary and does not negatively impact cattle welfare.