EYE in the sky maps grazing

01 August 1997

EYE in the sky maps grazing

FRENCH scientists from state-run farming institute Inra have tagged two cows and a horse with a satellite-linked beacon in an attempt to make sense of grazing patterns in the Massif Central region of the Auvergne.

Other members of their herds will be equipped with electronic recorders to show how frequently they feed.

It is thought that the animals could turn out to be far better and cheaper at keeping the undergrowth in check than machines and chemicals.