You are in > Home > SAC Research > Research Groups > Future Farming Systems > Team Profiles > Hill and Mountain Research Centre > Dr Christina Umstatter
Dr Christina Umstatter
Research Interests
I am an animal scientist with a specific interest in large herbivores using modern technology such as GPS-tracking devices to investigate grazing and foraging behaviour. The targeted outcome is to understand more about sustainable grazing management, nature conservation and biodiversity issues. Further research interests are measuring animal welfare in extensive systems and the development of virtual fences. Such a system could play a key role for further development of precision rangeland management tools.
My current work focuses on a 5-year project investigating grazing and foraging behaviour of three different cattle genotypes (Luing, Charolais and Aberdeen Angus x Limousin) in the uplands of Scotland. The grazing behaviour is measured by using 18 GPS collars on 45 cows with calves at foot given free access to semi-natural grasslands on two different hills in the Pentlands in the summer. The locational data is linked to vegetation maps. In addition, body weight and body condition score data are collected and faecal samples are taken to investigate the type of vegetation used by the animals. The targeted outcome is to provide information for grazing management decisions.
Research Projects
- Scottish Government Work package 2.5 Livestock genetics and management for product quality and sustainability – Strand 3.3.1. Matching upland systems and breeds to achieve desired environmental / economic outcomes.
Selected Publications
- Umstätter, C.; Waterhouse, A. and Holland, J.P. (2008): An automated sensor-based method of simple behavioural classification of sheep in extensive systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 64, 19-26. Full Text
- Morgan-Davies, C., Waterhouse, A., Umstatter, C. (2006). Sustainable hill and upland systems – what do people want the hills to deliver? International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management, 2. 244-246.
- Umstätter, C. (2005): The future role of robotic systems in Precision Livestock Farming. In: Cox, S. (ed.), Precision Livestock Farming `05. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, NL, ISBN 907699868X, 297-304.