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- Development of an IoT-Based Device for Data Collection on Sheep and Goat Herding in Silvopastoral SystemsPublication . Araujo, Mateus; Leitão, Paulo; Castro, Marina; Castro, José; Bernuy, MiguelTo evaluate the ecosystem services of silvopastoral systems through grazing activities, an advanced Internet of Things (IoT) framework is introduced for capturing extensive data on the spatial dynamics of sheep and goat grazing. The methodology employed an innovative IoT system, integrating a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracker and environmental sensors mounted on the animals to accurately monitor the extent, intensity, and frequency of grazing. The experimental results demonstrated the high performance and robustness of the IoT system, with minimal data loss and significant battery efficiency, validating its suitability for long-term field evaluations. Long Range (LoRa) technology ensured consistent communication over long distances, covering the entire grazing zone and a range of 6 km in open areas. The superior battery performance, enhanced by a solar panel, allowed uninterrupted operation for up to 37 days with 5-min interval acquisitions. The GNSS module provided high-resolution data on movement patterns, with an accuracy of up to 10 m after firmware adjustments. The two-part division of the device ensured it did not rotate on the animals’ necks. The system demonstrated adaptability and resilience in various terrains and animal conditions, confirming the viability of IoT-based systems for pasture monitoring and highlighting their potential to improve silvopastoral management, promoting sustainable practices and conservation strategies. This work uniquely focuses on documenting the shepherd’s role in the ecosystem, providing a low-cost solution that distinguishes itself from commercial alternatives aimed primarily at real-time flock tracking.
- Smart Small Ruminant Device: An IoT-Based System for Real-Time Monitoring and Management of Sheep and Goat MobilityPublication . Costa de Araujo, Mateus; Castro, José; Castro, Marina; Leitao, Paulo; Bernuy, Miguel; HelenaThe traditional agricultural practice of silvopastoralism, combining cultural heritage and ecological management, plays a vital role in food production and landscape management. This article explores the integration of precision livestock farming (PLF) into silvopastoral landscapes, using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for monitoring and data transmission. Commercially available tracking devices lack interesting ergonomics, price and autonomy, and most companies do not focus on goats and sheep. A customized IoT device was developed and tested on goats, employing temperature/humidity sensors, relative position, geolocation and a longrange communication module. The system architecture enabled real-time data flow through the sensing, service and interface layers, resulting in data visualization. The results demonstrate the high reliability, low cost, interesting autonomy and appropriate ergonomics of the device, with the animals exhibiting normal behavior during the tests. The study highlights the effectiveness of IoT-enabled PLF for understanding grazing dynamics and animal behavior in silvopastoral systems, highlighting its potential for sustainable landscape management and the welfare of goats and sheep.