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.