Scientists from the Institute of Robotics at BAS have developed an innovative electronic shepherd for use in agriculture. The system for electronically counting and tracking animals -sheep and goats – has been successfully implemented on Bulgarian farms. It includes remote monitoring and guidance of the animals for regulated and systematic grazing and watering, completely replacing traditional herding. The herd’s movement is monitored remotely, and real-time information is obtained on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and other biometric indicators without direct physical contact with the animal.
The use of modern electronic tools for pasture-based livestock farming addresses farmers’ challenges related to the shortage of agricultural workers, facilitates the regulated use of pastures, helps maintain ecosystems, and increases productivity and the economic efficiency of labor in animal husbandry.
The project has been developed by Prof. Roman Zahariev and Eng. Georgi Iliev from the Institute of Robotics – BAS, in collaboration with the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Association (NSGBA), led by Simeon Karakolev, and with the participation of Prof. Stankov’s team from Trakia University, Stara Zagora. The system has already been implemented and tested on a trial basis at the following farms: in the village of Veslets, Vratsa municipality; the village of Stoevo, Asenovgrad municipality; the village of Bolyarski Izvor, Harmanli municipality; the village of Zdravkovets, Gabrovo municipality; and in Troyanovo, Burgas municipality. Work on the implementation of the system continues successfully.
