18 August 2020
Farmers in Hanggin Banner in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region equip lead ox of a larger herd with collars have chips that can transmit and receive location signals. The signals from the collar are connected to an app on the mobile phone of the farmer so that he can check the location of the animal over real-time video. A solar panel on the collar keeps the device charged. Telephoto cameras installed on high ground along the area's pastures are controlled remotely to record and transmit videos to his phone. Herdsmen in Ordos use the system to control water pumps, fueled by solar power
pastures located to the west of the Kubuqi Desert, cover 266 hectares. The harsh environment makes grazing tough.
He bought two collars for about 12,000 yuan ($1,730) each, and a water pump-control system for about 4,000 yuan in 2017.
"It's a bit expensive for herdsmen, but I think it's worth it," he said.
modernize animal husbandry
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