Cowcam: Separating the Cows from the Bull

Australian scientists have commercially launched facial recognition technology that uses video cameras to differentiate between species. They say the "cowcam" will keep unwanted animals out of remote watering and feed points in the Australian outback and allow farmers to monitor their stock.

"We use the unique side profile that every animal has and a software programme similar to facial recognition technology that allows us to identify animals to a species level," said Neal Finch, the co-inventor of the product and a researcher at the University of Queensland. "The camera can tell the difference between sheep and cattle and feral pests such as goats, horses, pigs, kangaroos, camels and emus."

When animals come to feed or drink they will be forced to pass through a laneway where the camera has been installed. "You could have a cattle station that has feral populations of horses, donkeys or camels. The watering points are there for the cattle, so the camera would let the cattle through, but if a goat or a pig tried to get in the gate would shut against it," he said.

If the system doesn't like the cut of an animal's jib, it bars entry.