Satellites
will shortly swing into action to track sheep grazing habits as
part of a project to design farms that make animals happier.
The Food Animal Initiative combines scientists from Oxford University
and farmers funded by British food industry giants supermarket
Tesco and burger chain McDonalds UK.
"Animals are every farmer's first priority, so it is important
that they're given the best care," rural affairs television
presenter John Craven said, launching the project.
Apart from tracking sheep to help redesign fields, the initial
phase of the project will encourage pigs to indulge in a bit of
satisfying rooting and create shady spots for cows to have their
calves in natural comfort.
"Our expertise...is in using animal behavior to tell us
what the animals want," said Oxford University head of Zoology,
Paul Harvey.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2002-07-01 01:00
除了跟踪羊群以帮助重新规划分配牧场之外，这项计划的基本内容还包括让饲养的猪多多进行它们喜欢的拱地活动，以及为奶牛制造荫凉地带，让它们在舒适的自然环境里抚育小牛犊。