Using Real-Time GNSS Tracking Tags to Monitor Alpaca Activity in an Australian Extensive Production System

Imogen Boughey (), Evelyn Hall and Russell Bush
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Imogen Boughey: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2567, Australia
Evelyn Hall: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2567, Australia
Russell Bush: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2567, Australia

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-11

Abstract: Australian alpacas contribute to a developing alternative fibre industry with an increasing number of larger-scale enterprises requiring real-time management options. This study aimed to investigate the ability of GNSS real-time tracking tags to monitor alpaca herd behaviour in an extensive production system and assess their suitability as a future management tool. A total of 32 alpacas were fitted with collar-mounted GNSS tracking livestock tags, and an additional 32 alpacas were used as a control group without tags. Both Huacaya ( n = 32) and Suri ( n = 32) breeds were included. There was no effect of treatment on body condition score change ( p = 0. 3648). Breed had a significant effect on distance travelled ( p < 0.0184), with Suri alpacas travelling 1.03 (±0.058) km and Huacayas 0.9 (±0.058) km per day. Season significantly impacted the distance travelled each day ( p < 0.0001), with alpacas moving a greater distance in winter and spring compared to summer and autumn. The alpacas displayed an increase in activity between 0600 and 1600, with the majority (60%) of their activity occurring during daylight hours. This study outlines normal paddock behaviour for extensively raised alpacas in Australia and showcases the potential for GNSS remote monitoring technology to be utilised as a management tool.

Keywords: alpaca; camelid; GNSS; real-time tracking; behaviour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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